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Minnesota State Rep Huldah mourns slain Kenyan woman
Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, the first Kenyan-born candidate to win a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives attending Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on December 12, 2024.
Minnesota State Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley has condemned the killing of Kenyan woman Hulda Bochere Mosiori in Ramsey, Anoka County in Minnesota, calling it a senseless act of violence that should never have happened.
“My heart is broken. Hulda Mosiori’s life was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence that should never have happened. This tragedy reminds us that behind every headline is a real person — a sister, a daughter, a mother — whose dreams were stolen. It also reminds us that domestic violence is real, and it can affect anyone, even in places we come seeking better lives. We must not be silent in the face of such violence,” she told the Daily Nation.
Hulda is a Kenyan-born American who won the Minnesota House of Representatives seat in last year’s election.
She regretted that despite Minnesota having strong laws against domestic violence, including the Order for Protection to shield victims from abusers; mandatory arrest policies when there is probable cause; and support through federal laws like the Violence Against Women Act, tragedies still happen.
“Laws help, but we must also create community awareness, encourage early intervention, and ensure survivors feel safe asking for help. From the state level, we need to invest in intervention programmes that help our community address this epidemic from a culturally relevant position,” she said.
Hulda Bochere Mosiori, 42, was shot dead on April 22, 2025, allegedly by the father of one of her children. Anoka police are considering it a murder-suicide.
The news of the killing of the mother of four has devastated the tightly knit Kenyan community in the Midwestern state.
The representative is advising Kenyans in the diaspora to look out for the signs of abusive behaviour: “It is not always physical at first. Emotional and psychological abuse are red flags.”
“Second, trust your instincts and seek help early. Talk to someone — a friend, pastor, community leader, or professional. Third, know your legal rights here in the US. There are shelters, hotlines, and organizations that will help you confidentially. You are not alone. Lastly, as a community, we must remove the shame around speaking up. No one should feel embarrassed to ask for help. And as a community, we can no longer hide behind traditions as a way of silencing victims.”
She further advises Kenyans to write wills, create guardianship papers and get life insurance to secure the lives of their children.
“This way, families will not be left guessing in times of crisis. It’s equally important for our families back in Kenya to understand that those of us living in the diaspora carry a heavy weight already. We have to navigate life, work, immigration struggles, raising families, and sometimes dealing with isolation.
“While we love to support when we can, it is unfair and emotionally exhausting to expect that all needs, emergencies, or financial gaps will automatically be filled by those abroad. Diasporans need compassion too. We need understanding. True support must go both ways—not just by asking for help, but by recognising the magnitude of responsibility we already carry here. It’s time we build healthier, more balanced relationships between the diaspora and home.”
Why does she suggest that diasporans take life insurance?
“I know in our culture, talking about death or life insurance feels uncomfortable. However, it is an act of love and responsibility. Life insurance can ensure that, even in the worst-case scenario, your children, family, and community are not left struggling financially. It’s time we normalise these conversations in the diaspora. Protecting your loved ones after you’re gone is one of the most powerful gifts you can leave behind.”
