Following Donald Trump’s election as the 47th president of the United States, an unexpected wave of support has emerged from Kenya, with many citizens taking to social media to celebrate his victory. This reaction is partly fueled by a growing discontent with perceived U.S. interference in Kenyan and African politics and a hope for less involvement in the region’s internal affairs under Trump’s administration.

Kenya has historically followed U.S. elections closely, especially since Barack Obama’s presidency, which marked a moment of pride for Kenyans given his family ties to the country. However, recent years have shifted perspectives, as many Kenyans express frustration with the influence exerted by U.S. diplomats and policymakers on local governance. This sentiment was amplified during the tenure of U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, who has faced criticism for her comments on Kenyan political matters and her public support of President William Ruto.

Meg Whitman must Resign and U.S. Interference Stopped

The hashtag #ResignMegWhitman has recently trended among Kenyans on social media, capturing the widespread discontent with Whitman’s involvement in Kenyan affairs. Many citizens argue that Whitman has overstepped her diplomatic role by actively supporting Ruto and publicly endorsing Kenya’s 2022 elections as “the most free and credible,” a statement that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned as “meddling.” This interference has fueled growing frustration among Kenyans, many of whom have expressed relief at the prospect of Trump recalling Whitman and taking a more hands-off approach in Africa.

In one of his speeches last year, Odinga had sharp words for Whitman: “Tell the rogue ambassador that Kenya is not the United States and Kenya is not a colony of the United States. Keep your mouth shut when you are here; otherwise, we will call for your recall.” The statement was widely shared, with many Kenyans echoing his sentiment.

Broad African Criticism of U.S. Interference
Beyond Kenya, sentiments of frustration with U.S. policies have been growing across Africa. While African leaders may value strong ties with Washington, public opinion across the continent is less favorable. Many African citizens believe that the U.S. too frequently interferes in domestic issues, pressuring local governments on political, economic, and social fronts. American policies on LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive health, and governance are often perceived as intrusions into Africa’s cultural values and sovereignty, sparking widespread skepticism toward U.S. intentions.

This disapproval of perceived American interference has fueled support for leaders and policies promoting South-South cooperation, such as closer ties with China, Russia, and other non-Western nations. Trump’s past presidency saw limited engagement with Africa beyond the economic-focused Prosper Africa initiative, which was largely welcomed by Africans looking for mutually beneficial trade relations rather than involvement in internal governance issues.

Kenya-U.S. Relations Under Trump
During Trump’s previous administration, his approach to Africa was considered pragmatic and less interventionist than his predecessors. His past U.S. ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter, made headlines for his candid remarks on corruption but was generally less involved in Kenya’s political processes than recent ambassadors. The expectation is that a Trump administration would likely continue this trend, potentially easing tensions with Kenyans who prefer a more restrained American presence.

Future of U.S.-Kenya Cooperation
While Kenya remains a crucial ally to the United States, particularly in security and security efforts, many Kenyans hope Trump’s leadership will mean less interference in domestic politics. Kenya and the U.S. have a longstanding security partnership, with Nairobi playing a pivotal role in regional stability efforts, especially against Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Yet, Kenyans hope for a recalibration of this relationship under Trump, with many seeing his win as an opportunity for greater national autonomy and less political influence from the West.

Kenyan Reactions to Trump’s Win Reflect Regional Sentiments
The celebratory response in Kenya to Trump’s win reflects a broader regional sentiment favoring self-determination over foreign influence. Although the U.S. remains an important ally, many Africans hope for a relationship that emphasizes equal partnership over external control.