In a somber turn, former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel, known formally as Mathew Lempurkel Lekidime, succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating road accident in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.
He had been hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital, but tragically passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a week of critical care
A prominent voice for the Maa community, Lempurkel served as MP from 2013 to 2017 under the ODM ticket.
His tenure was marked by relentless advocacy for indigenous land rights, access to education, and peace-building in Laikipia North
However, his career was not without controversy.
In 2021, he was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison, without an option for a fine, for assaulting his successor, MP Sarah Korere, at Harambee House in 2016.
Despite these episodes, many constituents and colleagues remember him as a resilient, if polarizing, public servant.
Tribute Pour In
From Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua:“I have learnt of the untimely passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel with a heavy heart. Hon. Lempurkel was a member of the DCP Party and former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may Almighty God grant strength, comfort, and fortitude to his family, loved ones, and all who cherished him during this moment of grief. My deepest sympathies to you all. Hon. Mathew Lempurkel has departed, but his legacy will live on in our hearts.”
Reaction from ODM Party:
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) issued its own tribute, stating: “We mourn the passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel Lekidime, the former MP for Laikipia North in the 11th Parliament under the ODM party ticket from 2013 to 2017, through a road accident. May God’s peace & comfort be with his family & the people of Laikipia during this time of grief.”From Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua:“I have learnt of the untimely passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel with a heavy heart. Hon. Lempurkel was a member of the DCP Party and former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may Almighty God grant strength, comfort, and fortitude to his family, loved ones, and all who cherished him during this moment of grief. My deepest sympathies to you all. Hon. Mathew Lempurkel has departed, but his legacy will live on in our hearts.”
Remembering Lempurkel: Community Impact and Character
Lempurkel was widely seen as a fervent representative of the Maa and pastoralist communities, driven by a desire to defend marginalized voices and address deep-rooted injustices. His influence earned him both staunch supporters and vocal critics
While his combative style and legal entanglements drew headlines, his supporters recall his grassroots connection, development initiatives, and fiery defense of constituency interests.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to stream in from political allies, constituents, and civic leaders, highlighting a legacy of fiery advocacy, complex leadership, and unwavering commitment to community amid controversy.
Mathew Lempurkel’s journey, marked by both bold public service and personal turbulence, reflects the layered challenges of Kenyan political life.
His passing invites reflection on progress, discord, and the enduring quest for justice in Kenya’s pastoralist heartlands.
