Kivuitu died on Monday night at the MP Shah Hospital after battling with throat cancer. He had earlier gone to the hospital for a routine check up, but was admitted after he collapsed while coming out of the theatre room.
Family spokesman, John Musyoka, said funeral arrangements will be put on hold until after elections and appealed to wananchi to respect the family's wishes for privacy.
“We would have loved to bury him on Saturday, but the Monday general election will affect the plans, and so we have pushed it to a later date,” he said. “Please give us time to grieve in privacy.”
Kivuitu had been rushed to hospital on Monday after complaining of chest pains.
“We brought him here for x-ray, which was successfully done, but he collapsed while being taken out,” Musyoka said. "He was then taken to ICU where he succumbed to cardiac arrest which was caused by pneumonia on the right lung and died at 10:30pm."
Kivuitu, 74, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011 and has been in and out of hospitals, in Kenya and abroad. Last year, he went for treatment in the UK, where he was fixed with a device called a 'tent' in his throat, which was meant to ease the swelling.
The former ECK boss maintained a low profile following the bungled 2007 general election which led to the deaths of 1,300 people and scores others displaced.
The family spokesman yesterday steered clear of the controversies that have surrounded Kivuitu, arguing, “we pray history judges him favourably.”
Musyoka was accompanied by Kivuitu's widow, Priscilla Ndululu and three of his eight children, Musili, Mutua and Kethy.
Kivuitu's body was transferred to Lee Funeral Home, where friends and family members had gathered to receive it.
Although there were no government representatives at both venues, Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined Kenyans in mourning Kivuitu's death.
“I knew Kivuitu personally, particularly because of the enormous responsibility bestowed on him as the chief steward of our national elections during very difficult times,” said Raila.
He described Kivuitu as a forthright man who often spoke his mind, without fear or favour.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka described Kivuitu as "a humble, stoic, philanthropic and a social person who always strove to give his best to humanity."
The VP said he "learnt the death with deep sorrow, sense of loss and sadness.” Kalonzo said he knew Kivuitu as a close parliamentary colleague, lawyer and friend to many.
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenya also condoled Kivuitu's family.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Samuel Kivuitu. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I pray that God grants the family peace and comfort during this time of grief,” said Uhuru.
- The Star
