Written by West Fm 2012-06-29 12:52:00 Read 576 Times

US Ambassador to Kenya has been forced to resign after what he termed as “differences with Washington regarding my leadership style and certain priorities lead me to believe that it’s now time to leave.”

In a statement posted on the Embassy website, the envoy Scott Gration confirmed that he had written his resignation letter.

“Accordingly, I submitted my notice of resignation last Monday to the Secretary of State and to the President of the United States of America, to be effective as of 28 July 2012.”

His full statement read:

Being the U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kenya has been a dream job for my wife and me.  This assignment has been the perfect opportunity to use my deep-rooted knowledge of Kenya—its people, its language, and its culture—and my diplomatic, development, security, and humanitarian experience.  Judy and I have been extremely honored to lead Team Kenya, and we wish all of you the very best as Kenya implements its constitutional reforms, holds elections next year, and proceeds with the devolution of political and economic power.

I am very proud of my 35-year career of dedicated and honorable service to our great nation, leading at all times with integrity first and the highest ethical standards.  Judy and I are looking forward to returning to the work about which we are so passionate.  But as we depart, we will deeply miss Kenya, the Kenyan people, our partners in the diplomatic corps, and our colleagues in the U.S. Mission.  Our hearts will remain here with you and with the true friendships that will endure until death.

Gration served as the Special Envoy to Sudan before being appointed by US president Barrack Obama as the Kenyan envoy and replacing the former ambassador Michael Ranneberger since May 2011.

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