By Nyang’au Araka
Kenyans who had divided their support for US’s top presidential candidates had a reason to unite when one of their own clinched the Minnesota House Representative seat.
Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, who traces her roots to Nyamira County, made history by securing the electoral seat, becoming the first Kenyan-born immigrant to hold such a high profile political office in the US.
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She ran on Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party and garnered 64.78 percent of the vote to represent Minnesota’s District 38A.
The electoral area includes the southwestern parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
Reports indicate that about 66 percent of residents there identify as people of colour, a majority being African immigrants.
Her win neutralized the viewpoints of Kenyans who fixated their eyes on the presidency, and particularly in the top two contestants, Donald Trump (Republican) and Kamala Harris (Democrat).
Trump is trying to recapture the seat he lost to Joe Biden, while Harris threw herself in the ring after the outgoing President whom she served as Vice President withdrew from the race when it was hotting up.
Momanyi is a Bethel University alumnus who believes that a political seat can be a springboard as she commits to uplift her community and advocate for their needs in legislative processes.
This was her second attempt in the contest which she narrowly lost in a past election, a manifestation of her resilience, focus and believe that she has something unique to offer to humanity.
“I aim to address key issues affecting my constituents, especially affordable housing, equitable access to education and health care and creating economic opportunities,” she says.
Momanyi, who was born in 1985 in Nyamira County established a network in Minnesota, which turned out to be supportive as she ran for the electoral office.
Her campaign employed a data-driven strategy, guided by her Data Director and Analyst.
She focused on creating an inclusive and thriving environment for all residents.
As a result, she drew strong support from local leaders and a wide base of volunteers.
Momanyi moved to the US with her family when she was nine (9) years old.
She now has two children and her long stay in the US has shown her what “challenges working families face, particularly in securing affordable childcare.”
She is determined to create supportive environments for families.
The racial card often plays out in American elections.
Momanyi was able to overcome it owing to strong campaign team that sacrificed adequately to propel her to power.
Her victory made headlines in Kenya, with various media houses making info graphics and circulating them online.
Janet Nyamwamu, a member of Kisii Press Club who recalls hosting Momanyi in a television interview in 2021 recalls that, “the lady clearly had a vision and I’m happy she has won.”
Nyamwamu said Momanyi’s win was a major milestone reflecting her dedication to community in Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
“This win is a testament to her commitment and hard work, and it signifies her readiness to make a meaningful impact in the Minnesota legislature,” Nyamwamu told KPC.
Momanyi joins the growing list of leaders in the developed world who trace their roots to Africa, and particularly Kenya.
Top on the list is Barrack Obama who served as President of the US for two terms.
Another key personality is James Atebe, who was born in Nyamira County before he migrated to Canada, where he got elected Mayor of Mission, British Columbia.
