Lilian Seenoi-Barr: Meet Kenyan woman who just became mayor in the United Kingdom

Lilian Seenoi-Barr made history this week when she became the first Black Mayor of Northern Ireland. On Monday night, she was officially installed as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane at a special council meeting.

Seenoi-Barr, who hails from Narok County in Kenya, was voted in to represent the Foyleside area of Derry and Strabane District County.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV on Friday night, the politician proudly expressed a deep love for her rich Maasai heritage filled with rich culture and traditions.

“Growing up as one of 14 siblings in a Maasai village, I was nurtured in a home filled with love, unity, hard work and commitment to justice and freedom. These values I carry forward into my service,” she said.

The politician has dedicated her life to championing social justice and human rights. With a background in social work, community development and social policy, she has been instrumental in fostering integration and understanding among diverse communities in Northern Ireland.

“The value of social justice began from home. During my days in Narok County, I was actively involved in sensitizing people against backward practices like early marriages and female genital mutilation. I have an autistic son and so I left Kenya for the UK for my safety and luckily, I was given asylum because of my involved in activism within my Maasai community,” she said.

The 42-year-old is no stranger to breaking barriers; last year, she made headlines for the remarkable accomplishment of becoming the first black woman to become an elected member of the public office in Northern Ireland as a councilor.

She established the Northwest Migrants Forum, an organization that supports migrants who travel to make a life in Northern Ireland.

“I have lived in Northern Ireland for 14 years and I have a clear understanding of the challenges that immigrants face.  The major challenge we face is racism inspired by prejudice, this comes from people who may not want to see progress or black and other people coming to the country,” she said.

She went ahead to state said that although the anti-immigrant sentiment underscores the issues faced by the community, it did not reflect the people of her district.

“Since I arrived, Derry has embraced me, it has granted me a family, a community and now the honour of serving as first citizen. I will not be deterred from working as hard as I can for my entire community. I will be a Mayor for everyone, one who will be accessible and one who will lead with hope,” she said.

During her tenure as Mayor, Seenoi-Barr said she will work to eradicate attract investment and support young people to create jobs and advocate for quality affordable housing.

“It is a challenging time for people who look different. I want to see a different Derry City that is inclusive adn focused on economic growth and young people’s skills development,” she said.