Kenyans continue to make history in the political sphere abroad, with several of them securing high-profile positions in foreign countries.
Here are five Kenyan-born individuals who have made significant strides in politics, winning elections in their adopted homes.
Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley – Minnesota House of Representatives, USA
Huldah Momanyi, a Kenyan-born politician from Nyamira County, made history in the November 5, 2024, US general elections as she secured a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Running under the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, she won with an impressive 64.78% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Brad Olson.
Representing District 38A, which includes Brooklyn Park and Osseo, Huldah is the first Kenyan-born politician to hold office in the US.
Her victory is particularly symbolic in this district, home to a large number of African immigrants, including many Kenyans.
In her victory speech, Huldah expressed her joy and pride, marking her election as a significant milestone for both her and her community.
Lilian Seenoi Barr – mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Northern Ireland
Kenyan-born Lilian Seenoi-Barr made history in Northern Ireland when she became the first Black person to hold the position of mayor in Derry City and Strabane District.
Seenoi-Barr, originally from Mau Narok in Nakuru County, arrived in Northern Ireland as a refugee 14 years ago.
A member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), she was elected to the mayoralty in June 2024, following her previous role as a councillor in the Foyleside area.
Seenoi-Barr is a dedicated social justice advocate and the founder of the North West Migrants Forum, an organization supporting ethnic minorities in the region.
Sally Kimondo – Dunstable East Councillor, UK
In January 2024, Sally Kimondo was elected as the Dunstable East Councillor in England, defeating three other candidates with 372 votes.
Kimondo, a social worker, has long been a champion for the rights of Kenyan and other African immigrants living in the UK.
She ran on a Labour Party ticket, pledging to bring about social change and better support for the community.
Her election marks another significant achievement for the Kenyan diaspora in the UK.
Elizabeth Wanjiku Kang’ethe – mayor of Barking and Dagenham, UK
Elizabeth Wanjiku Kang’ethe is a trailblazer in the UK, where she became the first Kenyan-born mayor of Barking and Dagenham.
Elected in 2014, she had already made history in 2010 as the first British of Kenyan descent to be elected as a councillor for the Parsloes ward.
Kang’ethe, originally from Kiambu County, has spent much of her career in public service and community work.
Her election as mayor was a culmination of years of commitment to social change and community development in East London.
Lucy Gichuhi – Senator for South Australia, Australia
Lucy Gichuhi made history in 2017 when she became the first senator of African descent in the Australian Senate, representing South Australia.
Gichuhi’s journey to the Senate was marked by a unique legal twist: after a vote recount, she was declared the winner of a seat previously held by Bob Day, whose eligibility was questioned in court.
Gichuhi ran on a Family First Party ticket and became an influential voice in Australian politics, particularly on issues affecting immigrants and ethnic minorities.
These five individuals represent a growing trend of Kenyan talent and leadership making waves in international politics.
From the United States to the United Kingdom, and Australia to Northern Ireland, Kenyans abroad continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
