The 2013 elections in Kenya brought controversy due to the words of the United States Assistant Secretary of State at the time , Johnnie Carson . While not endorsing a candidate , he stated that " actions have consequences , " implying opposition to the challenger , Uhuru Kenyatta . The Kenyatta presidency was notably cold towards the United States prior to the terrorist attack on Kenya 's Westgate mall . The terrorist attack led to more cooperation , as Kenya focused more on counterterror operations
terrorist attack
Westgate shopping mall attack
Kenya–United States relations