Feature: Reminiscing Obama era, Kenyans jittery on Trump's presidency

Peter Mulei is not very enthusiastic about world affairs, but on Friday evening, the 33-year-old Kenyan barber and father of two huddled with friends at a nearby restaurant to watch the swearing in of U.S. President, Donald Trump.

Like millions of Kenyans, Mulei abandoned demanding chores to watch the installation of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

During an interview with Xinhua on Saturday, Mulei confessed that election of Trump as the U.S. president shocked him, given the divisive rhetoric the New York property billionaire espoused during the campaigns.

"When the campaigns for the U.S. presidency reached a peak last fall, most of us dismissed Trump as an underdog compared to her rival Hillary Clinton who had experience and financial muscle. It was utter shock to watch Trump win the coveted seat," said Mulei

As a small business owner, Mulei hardly immerses himself in global politics but the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States to succeed Barack Obama whose father was Kenyan had a chilling effect on the affable barber.

"To be honest, I was appalled by the prospect of an individual renowned for hurling epithets at almost everyone becoming the leader of the free world," Mulei told Xinhua.

He was worried that Donald Trump could implement policies that are harmful to the interests of African people.

"The most scaring prospect is to witness Kenyans living in the United States being deported back home because of harsh immigration laws. Likewise, Trump has shown no interest of engaging with African countries unlike his predecessor," said Mulei.

He is not alone in welcoming Trump's presidency with trepidation and unease given the property mogul's vow to upend the international liberal order that has sustained world peace and prosperity since the end of the World War Two.

Kenyans from all walks of life who witnessed the swearing in of Trump as the next U.S. president spoke of uncertain future in world affairs.

Compared to eight years ago when the election of Obama as the 44th president of the United States triggered pomp and celebration in the land of his ancestors, there was little excitement when his successor took over the instruments of power.

Regina Wakaba, a nurse and mother of two, admitted she was not bothered by installation of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States, saying he was a deeply flawed choice who could jeopardize global peace.

"I listened to Trump speaking at campaign rallies and his divisive and egoistic character came out very strongly. This is not an individual who can be trusted to cultivate friendship at home and abroad," Wakaba said.

The career nurse was worried that Trump will shrink American global influence through disengagement with vital tasks like peace-keeping and aid to developing countries.

"Kenya has always received American support in critical areas like war against infectious diseases. I am worried this assistance may not be forthcoming during Trump's presidency," said Wakaba.

The affection that Kenyans had toward Obama whose father was born in the western parts of the country may not be transferred to his successor.

Interviews with a cross section of the Kenyan populace revealed less admiration but profound anxiety on Trump's presidency.

John Okoth, a 22-year-old carpenter, was worried that Trump might erase Obama's legacy with the stroke of a pen, given the two individuals holds starkly different visions for America and the world.

"The election of Obama as the American president was refreshing and inspirational more so to the black race. I'm not sure his successor has ushered any new beginning," said Okoth.

President Trump's isolationist policies that he vowed to pursue during his inauguration address sent alarm bells across world capitals.

Kenyan international relations experts are worried that Trump's aversion to globalization could trigger a trade war that is anathema to global economic growth and prosperity.

Dr Martin Nguru, a diplomacy scholar at the University of Nairobi noted that America's influence on global stage could shrink if Trump pursues his avowed "America First" policy.

"It is like America will abandon its global leadership under Trump's presidency and I would urge rising powers like China to fill that gap," Nguru told Xinhua.

He added that a Trump's presidency could herald decreased American trade with African countries alongside less enthusiasm toward the continent's anti-terrorism agenda. Endit