By Saffa B. Moriba, Kenema District
Kenema, SIERRA LEONE – Kenema City was electrified on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as Mayor Thomas Karimu Tagbateh Baio made a grand return to office after nearly two months of medical leave, greeted by jubilant crowds, a massive motorcade, and heightened security presence.
The Mayor, who had been absent from his duties for one month and three weeks due to persistent illness, returned to a hero’s welcome. Accompanied by over 100 vehicles and thousands of residents dancing and singing in his honour, the Mayor’s convoy paraded through the principal streets of Kenema, eventually arriving at the Kenema City Council headquarters on Maada Bio Street.
During his absence, Deputy Mayor Madam Rugiatu Sulimani Koroma, along with IEC Officer Sylvester Abdul Dangima and Chief Administrator Sahr Emmanuel Yambasu, oversaw the city’s administration. One major initiative launched during this period was the $43,400 “Green Public Works” project, funded by the World Bank through the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA). The initiative, which employs 500 young people for city-wide sanitation, has drawn high praise from residents, many of whom expressed their satisfaction during local radio programs.
Addressing the euphoric crowd from the council premises, Mayor Baio expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of support. He urged residents to remain peaceful and report any disturbances to the nearest police station.
“Anyone who truly supports development in Kenema will not allow themselves to be involved in activities that threaten peace,” the Mayor declared. “Development for Kenema and its surrounding communities remains my top priority.”
He added that even before officially resuming office, he had begun addressing issues raised by residents concerning infrastructure such as roads, culverts, and street maintenance.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Koroma shed light on a recent disruption during Mayor Baio’s absence. She revealed that a group of councilors had interfered with the council’s revenue collection efforts handled by Rokel Commercial Bank, prompting police intervention. She described the incident as unfortunate but confirmed that calm has since been restored, thanks to the intervention of key stakeholders.
Among the many supporters present was Hawa Haris Ngombulango, who praised the Mayor’s transformative impact on the city. “Mayor Baio has made Kenema feel like a real city,” she said. “That’s why I left my house to join the convoy and support his return.”
Another resident, Mamusu Victoria Rahman, despite being unwell, joined the procession. “Mayor Baio deserves all our support. His local name, Tagbateh, means ‘city builder’ — and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”
Residents credited the Mayor and President Julius Maada Bio for a series of recent developments, including road rehabilitation, construction of stores, a new Clock Tower, and improved community connectivity.
“Kenema for Kenema” is the motto that resonated throughout the celebration — a call for all who love the city, whether natives or newcomers, to rally behind its progress.
Councilor Abdul Ansumana affirmed the Mayor’s authority, emphasizing that no councilor has the right to hinder the city’s progress. “Mayor Baio is the political godfather and the officially gazetted leader of Kenema,” he said. “We stand firmly behind him as he continues his work for the betterment of our people.”
With the Mayor officially back at the helm, hopes are high that Kenema’s journey toward development will only accelerate in the months ahead. SM/24/4/2025
