By Nyang’au Araka
Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, House Representative Elect for Minnesota, United States has told KPC that she is elated as she returns to Kenya today, Tuesday 10th.
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Momanyi and her entourage will be received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday 10th, at 11:15 am.
“My heart is filled with gratitude and excitement. This journey feels like a full-circle moment—returning to Kenya, where my story began, as an elected leader is deeply humbling,” she told this writer.
“I look forward to celebrating with my people, reconnecting with my roots, and sharing the joy of this milestone with those who have always supported me.”
Momanyi will grant journalists an opportunity to interview her at the airport soon after arrival.
In the evening, she will address a high level meeting bringing together leaders from various sectors at Daystar University.
Expected attendees have been mobilized by Breaking the Glass Ceiling Network (BGCN), an outfit that brings together leaders in the political, spiritual and civil society realms together.
“We are united against Gender Based Violence (GBV), and the theme of the event is ‘Breaking barriers, building futures,” said Nancy Omweri, who is the founder of the network.
Momanyi’s address will come at the peak of the event to mark the closure of this year’s 16 days of activism against GBV, according to the organizers.
On Wednesday, she will have other engagements including paying a courtesy call to the Permanent Secretary (PS) – Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu.
Momanyi will join other Kenyans to celebrate Jamhuri Day in Nairobi on Thursday 12th.
The celebrations will be led by the head of state, William Ruto.
Momanyi will then travel to her home county of Nyamira, where she will be received by local leaders.
There will be a homecoming cum thanksgiving ceremony at Nyambaria High School, not far from her Nyamemiso village home within Magombo Ward.
Nyamira Governor, Amos Nyaribo will play host.
“We look forward to hosting Huldah and celebrate her achievement. She’s from Nyamira and her win is an inspiration to young people especially women that one can achieve great things through hard work and self-belief,” Nyaribo told KPC.
“Her win is also an opportunity for engagement between Nyamira and Minnesota.”
Nyaribo recently set up a planning committee, and members have been frequenting the venue, where hundreds of residents are expected to show up for the event.
“We have invited elected leaders including Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and the clergy to the event,” a member of the planning committee said.
“There will be feasting and various artists have been invited to offer entertainment.”
On Sunday 15th, there will be a dinner in Kisii Town to be hosted by Gusii women, according to the lead organizer, Roselyne Nyakona.
“As Gusii women, we take immense pride in welcoming our sister home following her historic election to the Minnesota House of Representatives, and will hold a dinner to register our gratitude,” Nyakona said.
She said women were thrilled of Momanyi’s outstanding achievement.
The dinner will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Queens Gala and Expo, a platform that has brought women together and birthed transformative initiatives including the formation of a sacco.
Momanyi will be hosted by Kisii County boss, Simba Arati during a county leaders’ meeting on December 16th.
Momanyi made history on November 5 by becoming the first Kenyan-born immigrant to be elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
The Democrat describes her victory as a testament to resilience, determination and the realization of the American dream.
Elected on Farmer- Labour Party, Momanyi will represent District 38A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Momanyi migrated to the US when she was 9 with her parents, and initially struggled with authorities over citizenship.
“I want to honor my parents who have been a source of courage and resilience throughout my life. Our immigration story – our journey to this country – shaped my identity and purpose,” Momanyi told supporters after she bagged victory last month.
Following her victory, there has been a media frenzy in the US and Kenya, with media outlets scrambling to get exclusive interviews with her.
“I’m that little girl from that little village somewhere in the middle of Kenya, and now I’m in the spotlight of this media frenzy,” Momanyi told the Voice of America after her win.
“And so, I’m still trying to really appreciate the magnitude of the moment.”
In Gusii region, news of Momanyi’s surge in the American political arena is seen as an inspiration particularly to women interested to take up leadership position.
It should be appreciated that none of the constituencies in Kisii and Nyamira has ever elected a woman to represent them in Parliament.
The push for affirmative action has not yielded much and women have been keeping away from competing with men, thus confining themselves to the Women Representative contests.
Currently, only one woman, Beatrice Makwae of Bombaba Ward is elected to Kisii County Assembly while there is none in the neighbouring Nyamira County Assembly.
This scenario has pushed up the number of female nominees to meet the two-thirds gender rule.
Roselyne Nyakona, a gender activist says Momanyi’s victory is a pointer that women too can lead given a chance.
“Her remarkable success is a shining testament to the strength, resilience and foresight of women, inspiring us to reach greater heights in all areas of life,” Nyakona said.
–Part of this story was first published on People Daily
