NAIROBI, Kenya — Warning repeatedly of “consequences,” the top U.S. diplomat for Africa on Thursday appeared to caution Kenyan voters against electing a president who faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.

U.S. diplomat Johnnie Carson never named the candidate in question, but the subtext of his words was clear: If Uhuru Kenyatta, one of two top candidates for president, wins, it will affect Kenya’s relationship with the international community.

“Choices matter and they have consequences,” Carson told reporters, adding later: “Individuals have reputations, individuals have images, individuals have histories. Individuals are known for who they are and what they do, what they have said, and how they act.”

Front Section, Pages 3 on 02/08/2013