Cablegate: Electoral Commission Chairman Re-Appointed

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DE RUEHNR #4430 3180405
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 140405Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3424
INFO RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 9686
RUEHDR/AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM 5586
RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 4924
RUEHKM/AMEMBASSY KAMPALA 2391
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 1651
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 2471
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2396
RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RHMFIUU/CJTF HOA

UNCLAS NAIROBI 004430

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PGOV PREL KE
SUBJECT: ELECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN RE-APPOINTED

REF: NAIROBI 4429

1. (SBU) On 12 November, President Kibaki re-appointed Samuel
Kivuitu as Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya
effective 3 December for a full five year term. The US
Mission advocated in favor of Kivuitu's re-appointment over
the last several months, including numerous discussions of
the subject between the Ambassador and President Kibaki, as
well as with the President's senior advisors. Kenyan civil
society and religious groups also advocated for Kivuitu's
retention. He has 15 years experience on the Electoral
Commission and has upheld high standards of neutrality and
professionalism.

2. (SBU) Kivuitu has publicly expressed an intention to
resign his position sometime after the 27 December elections.
He has indicated privately to the Ambassador that he intends
to write and participate in activities promoting democracy in
Africa (reftel).
RANNEBERGER

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