Kenyan-born Huldah Moraa Momanyi Histley made history in the 2024 United States elections by becoming the first Kenyan American to win a district seat in the U.S. State Legislature.
Her achievement has been celebrated nationwide, particularly in her hometown of Nyamemiso in Nyamira County, where family and friends gathered in large numbers to celebrate her political success.
Moraa ran under the Democratic-Farmer-Labour party and won 65 percent of the vote, defeating Brad Olson. She now represents Minnesota’s District 38A, which includes Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
At 39, Moraa’s victory was hard-earned. She immigrated to the US at the age of nine and has faced numerous challenges, including surviving a deportation threat. Her father, Philip, who immigrated in 1998, also faced deportation for 11 years.
Their eventual stay in the US was secured through the efforts of Paul Wellstone, the late US senator from Minnesota, who petitioned the state to allow them to remain. This petition paved the way for Moraa to achieve such a rare milestone.
Racism also posed a significant challenge throughout her journey, but Moraa says she had anticipated this obstacle, knowing that racial bias is common in American politics.
“I stand before you tonight with a heart overflowing with gratitude, love, and a deep sense of responsibility,” Moraa said, amid tears and cheers from her supporters.
“This victory belongs to all of us; it is a testament to the resilience and strength of immigrants. Our immigration story, our journey to this country, shaped my identity and purpose.”
Behind Moraa’s political career is a woman with impressive academic credentials: three undergraduate degrees, one in Business, another in International Relations, and a third in Reconciliation, as well as a Master’s degree in Global Business Management from Bethel University.
Her extensive education proved crucial in helping her convince voters. Additionally, she has experience as a data protection specialist, having worked with private companies and the US government.
Among the key issues she championed during her campaign were better education, improved healthcare services for mothers and children, affordable housing, and, most importantly, equality, justice, and inclusivity for all Americans, regardless of race.
Moraa attributes her victory to her clear vision for the people, as well as her academic and professional achievements, which helped her gain the trust and support of voters.
After an intense year-and-a-half-long campaign, Moraa could barely contain her joy. In a phone interview with The Standard, she expressed how honoured she was to be not only the first Kenyan elected to office in the US, but also the youngest Black woman immigrant to secure such a victory.
– By Tina Akal
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
