Lilian Seenoi-Barr, the sister of Senate Minority Whip Olekina Ledama, has made history by becoming the first black mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council in Northern Ireland.
Senator Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Tabitha Karanja (Senate Deputy Majority Leader) have been invited to attend Seenoi-Barr’s swearing-in ceremony, which will take place in the Guildhall in Derry on June 3, 2024. Lilian Seenoi-Barr’s remarkable journey began in the village of Ol Ombokishi in Narok, Kenya, where her passion for gender rights took root. Her tireless efforts to champion the cause of Maasai women, particularly in combating forced marriage and female genital mutilation, made her a prominent figure in the fight for equality. However, the threats to her safety that emerged from her activism compelled Seenoi-Barr to seek refuge in Northern Ireland in 2010. Undeterred by the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land, Seenoi-Barr founded the North West Migrants Forum in 2012 where she assumed the role of program manager.
Her unwavering commitment to promoting equality and fostering community development soon caught the attention of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). In 2021, Seenoi-Barr was co-opted onto the Derry City and Strabane District Council as a representative for the Foyleside ward, marking the beginning of her political career. The 2023 local elections proved to be a watershed moment for Seenoi-Barr and Northern Ireland as a whole. By securing her seat on the council, she became the first black person to be elected to public office in the region’s history. Her background in social work, community development, and social policy resonated with the electorate, who recognized her as a champion for their cause. Now, as the SDLP’s nominee for mayor, Seenoi-Barr stands on the precipice of yet another historic achievement.
The announcement on April 29, 2024, that she would succeed Sinn Féin’s Patricia Logue as Northern Ireland’s first black mayor was met with some criticism regarding the selection process. However, Seenoi-Barr staunchly defended the procedure as “an open process,” asserting that her robust interview performance and qualifications had rightfully earned her the position of Derry and Strabane’s First Citizen. The city of Derry, officially known as Derry/Londonderry, serves as a fitting backdrop for Seenoi-Barr’s groundbreaking tenure. This city, steeped in history and cultural heritage, boasts a rich tapestry of landmarks, from the well-preserved 17th-century city walls to the iconic St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Guildhall, and the Tower Museum. Beyond its historical significance, Derry is a vibrant centre of arts and culture, hosting events such as the internationally renowned Derry Londonderry Halloween Festival, the Foyle Maritime Festival, and showcasing local and international talent at venues like the Millennium Forum and the Nerve Centre.
As mayor, Seenoi-Barr is determined to represent every voice in Derry and Strabane, drawing upon her deep-rooted commitment to racial equality, gender rights, and social inclusion. Her appointment is not merely a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for others, particularly those from minority ethnic backgrounds. This demonstrates that with perseverance and dedication, they too can achieve greatness. Her unique perspective and unwavering focus on the issues that matter most to her constituents are poised to bring about meaningful change in the region. As she assumes her role as mayor, the people of Derry and Strabane eagerly anticipate a future in which diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every voice is allowed to be heard.
