ELECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN RE-APPOINTED

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