Russell Kun


Russell Effaney Kun is a political figure from the Pacific nation of Nauru and former powerlifter.

Background

In the May 2003 elections Kun stood for the Parliament of Nauru, and was duly was elected to represent the Ubenide constituency.

Political offices

He was Justice Minister in the Ludwig Scotty government from June to August 2003 and returned to that post under René Harris in February 2004. Kun was elected the Speaker of the Parliament of Nauru from 15 July 2004 to 26 October 2004.
He lost the post again, however, in June 2004 when Scotty became President again and appointed David Adeang to the post. In September 2004 he became controversial after stating that Health Minister Kieren Keke was ineligible to serve. He lost his seat in Parliament in the October 2004 elections because of the State of Emergency and was out of job in Nauru.

Post-Parliamentary career

From 17 July 2005, he subsequently worked in the Public Defender's office in Majuro, Marshall Islands, along with Lionel Aingimea, the former legal officer of Nauru.
From 19 April 2007, he became the Chief Public Defender of Marshall Islands and is still at this post.
He married Tote Una Kun, and they separated in 2007. They have two children Lynette Eimon Kun, born on 8 May 1991, in Auckland, and Russell Jr Kun, born on 25 November 1994, in Wellington.
He is now living with his partner, Roselinda deBrum, of Likiep, Marshall Islands and they have one child in Selinda Litia Kun, born on 10 September 2006, in Majuro, Marshall Islands.
On 18 August 2010, he was sworn in as a citizen of Marshall Islands.