From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee, across the plains of Texas, from Detroit, down to Houston and New York to Los Angeles, there is pride in every Kenyan residing in the USA.

Barack Obama’s victory over his Republican rival John McCain to become the 44th president of the US sparked off wild celebrations among Kenyans in the US.

Like other Africans living in the US, Kenyans took to the streets with blaring car horns and loud music by Kenyan artists in their cars.

In a national spirit, virtually all Kenyans joined in the celebrations as they flew Kenyan flags on their cars, with majority adorning branded T-shirts and caps.

Security and war

In Kansas City, Kenyans interviewed said they would expect the Obama administration to reverse what they term as the Bush “administration’s fixation on security and war on terror, which they claim has escalated the militarisation of the US policy in Africa.

“As Kenyans we believe that with this win by our son, (America) will implement Africa-friendly policies that could lift not just the continent, but our nation from poverty,” said Simon Bonkeen, a nurse.

Elizabeth Akinyi, a hair dresser in Kansas, feels that Obama would set a precedent for real power wielded by a black person.

“He would, however, have be careful to ensure that any measures he takes to create a better life for Kenyans do not reflect adversely on people of African descent. That in itself is a lot of work.

“It may well seriously hamper him because he would be too busy trying to be careful to do anything worthwhile,” says Ms Akinyi.

Eliud Thuo, a resident of Maryland, and a first time voter, was equally enthusiastic about Sen Obama’s victory. According to him, the victory would change the fortunes of African-Americans in the US.

Mr Thuo, who voted for Obama, said the standard greeting among African-Americans since voting opened was: “Have you voted?” By asking this question, they helped to mobilise support for Mr Obama.

Agai Yier, a student in Columbia said: “To have one of our own out-work, out-think and out-smart one of the US’ most powerful political dynasties, while running a campaign that has been dubbed the best in the country’s history, is the reason for this communal high”.

A post-graduate student and staff at the University of Missouri, Millie Kavoki said that Africans and Kenyans need success stories like Obama’s to dream beyond their limitations.

Millie said: “For sure, the expectations of millions on the continent are high following this good news. Our pride as Kenyans and hope in out bro’s achievement is fresh”.

A student in Philadelphia, Susan Akinyi said that the Obama victory will help de-polarise the world and help undo the divide between the East and West.

“African countries have tended to align themselves with the Eastern bloc and are sympathetic to Muslim countries, driving them away from potentially beneficial relationships with Western countries.

“African countries need solid economic and trade ties with both East and West in order to grow their economies and make the transition from Third World nations to developing countries,” Akinyi said.

Agent of change

Caroline Kimani, a business analyst in Florida, said Kenyans should see Obama as an agent of change in Kenya where civil liberties have not been realised.

“I am sure he would restore basic civil rights, which many are being denied in the name of war on terror in Kenya and Somalia,” she said.

Michael Boit of Kansas City said: “You will recall that Kenya is a populous black nation. So we see it as a personal victory, and we believe that with a Kenyan at the helm of the US government, that would mean more aid, and that would affect Kenya positively.”

Mr Boit said that the Sen Obama’s ascendancy was the best thing that has happened to Kenya in the century, adding that: “I am sure he will work to change the American policy toward Africa.”

A political science lecturer at the University of Nebraska, Dr Dan Kuria, said the Obama presidency should reverse the Bush policies that have perpetrated antagonistic unilateral engagement, and instead step back to work with other elements of the international community.

“In this new dawn, we expect that US policies should facilitate bringing together regional actors like Southern African Development Community and the African Union with international agencies, in order to promote the democratic process in democratically deficit countries like Kenya,” said Kuria.

African to boot

Mary Okemwa, a post graduate student at the University of Carolina said that with a Kenyan and African to boot at the White House, it was time for Washington to ensure that US-Africa policy will be driven by diplomacy, development and genuine partnership, not military engagement.

The US has dramatically ramped up military activity in Africa since 2002. Mr Donald Payne, the chairman of the subcommittee on Africa and Global Health on the House Committee for Foreign Affairs, and many others have described this trend as the “militarisation of US aid to Africa.”

Elly Ogutu, a social worker in Atlanta, Georgia said: “I am highly impressed by his determination, courage and wisdom. He is my role model and I have fallen in love with his philosophy of change.”

Strong support

Mr Ogutu said Kenyan leaders would learn from Obama how to win the hearts of their people and also respect their rivals instead of fomenting hatred.

Abreham Musao, a young NGO worker in Dallas Texas, who has been nicknamed “Obama” because of his strong support for the Illinois senator said: “He is not a politician; he advocates tolerance.

“He teaches us all how to effect change and this should be a lesson to both Prime Minister Raila and President Kibaki.”

Courtesy of: www.nation.co.ke