Ambassador to Kenya resigns, cites 'differences' with Washington

The U.S. ambassador to Kenya announced his resignation Friday, claiming "differences with Washington" have led him to step down.

J. Scott Gration said he submitted his resignation days ago and that it was effective Thursday.
He called the post, which he has held since May 2011, a "dream job" but cited concerns about his relationship with headquarters in Washington.

"Differences with Washington regarding my leadership style and certain priorities lead me to believe that it's now time to leave," he said.

One senior U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told Fox News there were serious concerns about Gration's "management style" at the U.S. Embassy. According to the source, there was no disagreement about actual policy.

Gration was one of President Obama's first military advisers on the campaign trail and had been expected to have a large role as a military adviser -- but he was never given a senior national security role in the administration.

Instead, he was appointed as special envoy to Sudan before moving on to Kenya.

"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," he said in his statement.

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.