Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, the first Kenyan-born member of Minnesota’s House of Representatives, has shared her perspective on President William Ruto’s leadership.
Speaking on Thursday, December 13, Momanyi refrained from assigning a specific rating to Ruto’s performance but commended his commitment to addressing the needs of Kenyan citizens.
“I’m not in the business of rating President Ruto and how he is performing, but I know, now that I’m on this side, he has the heart for his people and is doing the best that he can to address the concerns of his citizens. And he continues to do that. That is all the citizens want,” she remarked.
Momanyi made history by becoming the first Kenyan-born individual elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 38A. Running on the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party ticket, she secured a decisive victory with 64.78% of the vote, gaining support from a diverse constituency in southwestern Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
In her acceptance speech, Momanyi described her win as a milestone for immigrant communities and a testament to resilience.
“This victory belongs to all of us; it is a testament to the strength of immigrants and the belief in the American dream,” she stated.
She credited her success to a grassroots campaign centered on addressing community issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and healthcare.
Momanyi’s journey from Nyamira County, Kenya, to the Minnesota State Capitol has been remarkable. Her family immigrated to the U.S. when she was nine years old, overcoming challenges like an immigration system that once threatened their deportation.
A graduate of Bethel University with multiple degrees, Momanyi has built a career in data privacy and community advocacy. As a legislator, she plans to amplify immigrant voices, champion workers’ rights, and create economic opportunities for small businesses, many of which are owned by African immigrants.
Her victory has been celebrated in both Minnesota and Kenya, where she aims to inspire young girls to dream big.
“If I can make it to this point, I can be a role model to remind others that our wildest dreams are possible,” she said.
Momanyi is set to be sworn into office in January 2025.
