A section of Kenyans who turned up at the US Ambassador’s residence in Nairobi to follow the presidential election results streaming. Photo/COURTESY.
Most of them were disappointed that the world had missed a chance of seeing America elect the first female president, while others viewed it as America’s well deserved expression of democracy.
“I am very happy for a Donald Trump win and I supported him all the way and I was unapologetic about it. But key for me is a president who is able to put in conservative judges into their Supreme Court to overturn laws that were against family and against life,” Dennis Nthumbi from Christian in Politics told Capital FM News, moments after Trump emerged winner.
His admiration and support for Trump, he said, also stemmed from his campaign to change laws that were against life and family.
Nthumbi also viewed Trump as an assertive candidate who did not shy away from speaking his mind – whether he was politically correct or not.
“I love the fact that Donald is an honest guy and he shoots from the hip. He has no wish to be politically correct. He is very affront on what he wants to do,” he explained.
Nthumbi linked Trump’s surprise win to Brexit, explaining that time had come for the world to be ‘shaped by honest and deliberate conversations.’
For Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, it did not matter who won as long as the winner was democratically elected.
He said Trump’s win would not, in any way, affect America’s relationship since it is a developed democracy anchored on a strong constitution and solid policies that also manage how the country interacts with other countries.
“What is it that Clinton can do for us or what is it that Trump can do against us. We live in a community of nations that has its obligations,” he explained.
Nthumbi and Omar were among the 1,500 guests who braved the chilly morning on Wednesday to go to the U.S Embassy residence in Nairobi to follow the election results.
Businesswoman Esther Passaris, who was hoping that Democrat Hillary Clinton would take the day to assert the woman’s position in the political arena, said despite the loss, the U.S election was a symbol of democracy for the entire world to emulate and learn from.
Prior to the release of the final results, U.S Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said America was ready to welcome the candidate who would emerge as the winner.
“Once all the results are in, Americans will recognise and accept the decision reached in a democratic poll. We will welcome our next president and look forward to a bright future,” he stated.
For America, the most important aspect in its democracy, Godec explained, was the constitution that upheld democracy and ‘the rule of law’.
“Now, after our “national dialogue” the American people are speaking through their votes. With this election, a new chapter begins for our government. But while the election brings change, what does NOT change is our faith in our Constitution, the rule of law, and our strong institutions.”
70-year-old Trump will become America’s 45th President after winning 290 Electoral College votes against Clinton’s 218.
In his acceptance speech Wednesday, Trump said “I will be president for all of Americans.”
He said Clinton “had worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.”
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