Kenyan-Born Huldah Moraa Momanyi Makes History by Winning Minnesota House Seat
By Grace Mwende
Huldah Moraa Momanyi has made history as the first Kenyan woman to be elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. In the recent U.S. elections, Momanyi was elected to represent District 38A, a significant milestone for both her and the Kenyan immigrant community in the United States.
Born in the small village of Nyamemiso in Nyamira County, Kenya, Momanyi moved to the U.S. in 1995, seeking better opportunities. However, her journey was not without challenges. For 11 years, she faced the constant threat of deportation, a struggle that many immigrants can relate to. Despite these hardships, Momanyi persevered, eventually graduating from Bethel University with an impressive academic record that includes three bachelor's degrees and an MBA.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Momanyi has become a prominent voice for African immigrants in the U.S. She currently serves as the president of Mwanyagetinge, the largest Kenyan association in the U.S., advocating for the rights and welfare of Kenyan and African diaspora communities.
Momanyi first entered U.S. politics in 2022 when she ran for a Senate seat. Though unsuccessful in that bid, her political journey continued, culminating in her historic win for the Minnesota House of Representatives in the 2024 election.
Her victory has been widely celebrated, with notable figures like Suba North Member of Parliament, Millie Odhiambo, hailing her win as "a victory for all Kenyan women." Odhiambo praised Momanyi's success, calling it an inspiration to Kenyan women both at home and in the diaspora, showing that through determination and resilience, women can break barriers and make a difference in global politics.
As a new representative, Momanyi is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Minnesota’s state politics, particularly in areas affecting immigrants and marginalized communities. Her victory is seen as a testament to the growing influence of African immigrants in American politics, and it is hoped that her leadership will pave the way for more diverse voices in the political arena.
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