Celebrations as Moraa wins district seat, makes history in US elections

Kenyan-born American Hulda Moraa Momanyi Hitsley. [Courtesy]

The sleepy village of Nyamemiso in Nyamira erupted in celebration after one of their own, who had migrated to the US, won a seat in the State Legislature in the US elections.

When her family moved to the US more than 30 years ago, Kenyan-born American Hulda Moraa Momanyi Hitsley did not anticipate becoming one of the few success stories in the highly competitive arena of US politics.

She faced numerous challenges along the way. Moraa explained that she had to endure racism and even narrowly escaped deportation to Kenya before being saved by a court ruling.

Moraa, 39, contested on a Democrat-Farmer-Labour Party ticket and won with 64.78 per cent of the vote, representing Minnesota’s District 38A, which includes parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo.

As news of her political success spread, residents of her father’s home village in Nyamira broke into song and dance, joining her family to celebrate this rare achievement.

Celebrations spread to Nyacheki, Kisii county, where her mother was born, as villagers recounted the tough journey the family had endured in the US.

Joyce Ogutu, Moraa’s paternal aunt, told *The Standard* that the victory brought them great joy.

“We didn’t sleep at all. We kept vigil, checking updates as they came in from the US. By Wednesday morning, we couldn’t contain our excitement as we celebrated the news,” Ms Ogutu said.

Moraa’s father, Philip Momanyi Sangaka, migrated to the US in 1988 on a student visa. The family joined him later when Moraa was nine-years-old.

In a phone interview with The Standard, Moraa described her journey as one of resilience and hope.

“I am honoured to be not only the first Kenyan elected to office in the US in such a competitive race but also the youngest Black woman immigrant to win such a victory,” she said enthusiastically.

As a dedicated political activist, Moraa had played pivotal roles in previous elections by mobilising support for other candidates.

“I had been involved in running campaigns for various candidates, and eventually, I asked myself why I shouldn’t try it for myself,” she said.

One significant challenge she anticipated in her political aspirations was racism, which she described as a genuine obstacle in American politics.

“I had to over-communicate my abilities, not just as a young person but particularly as a young Black woman immigrant. It wasn’t easy, especially in the nominations. But, having worked behind the scenes in political campaigns, I understood precisely what was expected of me to exceed my voters’ expectations,” she said.

She attributed the victory to her strong educational background and ability to engage with people.

"With my vision for the people and my educational achievements, I was able to convince everyone I encountered that I was the right candidate for the position," she said.

Moraa holds three undergraduate degrees in International Business, International Relations, and Reconciliation Studies, as well as a Master’s degree in Global Business Management, which she says were instrumental in demonstrating her capabilities to voters.

Beyond her political interests, Moraa is an experienced data protection specialist, having worked for various private companies and the US government.

In her campaign, she advocated for better education, improved healthcare access, affordable housing, and equality, justice, and inclusivity for all Americans, regardless of race.

In her acceptance speech, she said: “I stand here as the first Kenyan-born person ever elected in the US. This victory belongs to all of us; it is a testament to the resilience and strength of immigrants,” remarked the mother of two during election night celebrations.”

Moraa will now represent the communities of Southwestern Brooklyn Park and Osseo in the Minnesota District.