Kivuitu dies a week to the vote

By Caleb Mutua

Samuel Kivuitu has died of cancer at the age of 74.

Many Kenyans remember Mr Kivuitu, the former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), for declaring president Kibaki the winner of the bungled 2007 elections.

Mr Kivuitu, who has been under treatment for more than a year, died at the MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi.

President Kibaki said the death of Mr Kivuitu was a big loss to the family and also to the nation.  He commended him for managing the defunct electoral body at a very trying moment in Kenya’s history.

“He served with exemplary zeal in various capacities as a lawyer, legislator and civil servant,” said the president. He termed the former ECK boss as sociable, humble, generous and hardworking gentleman.

“Through his death, we have lost a loving husband, caring father, brother, a public servant and a devoted Christian. “As you mourn his passing on, be consoled that Kivuitu has left an indelible mark on the lives of those he has left behind,” added the president.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga seconded the president adding that Kivuitu was frank and often spoke his mind, without fear or favour.

“I do know for a fact that Mr Kivuitu did not hesitate to speak his mind about the problems we faced, even as we embarked on the 2007 elections, particularly when it came to the controversial appointment of the Electoral Commission in a manner that most flagrantly violated the Inter-Parties Political Agreement (IPPG) spirit as had been negotiated prior to the 1997 elections,’ he said.

He wished that Mr Kivuitu had lived a little longer “just to witness the new transition that we are all expecting during the forthcoming 2013 on March 4, under a brand new Kenyan Constitution and new electoral laws.”

He stressed that Mr Kivuitu rendered most valuable services to the country, making remarkable personal sacrifices.

“Indeed, there is no doubt that his tenure at the Electoral Commission offers important lessons for all of us in Kenya, and we do certainly pray that his soul rests in eternal peace. May his family have the courage and fortitude to bear their loss during this very difficult time,” added Mr Odinga.

First published in February 2013.