diff --git a/kmkernel.cpp b/kmkernel.cpp
index a05e436ff..4196cb3ca 100644
--- a/kmkernel.cpp
+++ b/kmkernel.cpp
@@ -155,8 +155,6 @@ KMKernel::KMKernel (QObject *parent, const char *name) :
   }
   mMailService =  new MailServiceImpl();
 
-  mKIMProxy = KIMProxy::instance( kapp->dcopClient() );
-
   connectDCOPSignal( 0, 0, "kmailSelectFolder(QString)",
                      "selectFolder(QString)", false );
 }
@@ -176,8 +174,6 @@ KMKernel::~KMKernel ()
   mICalIface = 0;
   delete mMailService;
   mMailService = 0;
-  delete mKIMProxy;
-  mKIMProxy = 0;
 
   GlobalSettings::writeConfig();
   mySelf = 0;
@@ -1690,7 +1686,7 @@ KMFolder* KMKernel::findFolderById( const QString& idString )
 
 ::KIMProxy* KMKernel::imProxy()
 {
-  return mKIMProxy;
+  return KIMProxy::instance( kapp->dcopClient() );
 }
 
 void KMKernel::enableMailCheck()
diff --git a/kmkernel.h b/kmkernel.h
index 55b7d9db6..a1c840b42 100644
--- a/kmkernel.h
+++ b/kmkernel.h
@@ -362,8 +362,6 @@ private:
   // need to be updated (e.g. in the Summary in Kontact)
   int mTimeOfLastMessageCountChange;
 
-  // KIMProxy provides access to up to date instant messaging presence data
-  ::KIMProxy *mKIMProxy;
   // true if the context menu of KMFolderTree or KMHeaders is shown
   // this is necessary to know in order to prevent a dead lock between the
   // context menus and the pinentry program