The former Laikipia North Member of Parliament (MP), Mathew Lempurkel, has died following a tragic road accident in Rongai earlier this week. Lempurkel, who had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning, sending shockwaves across the country and triggering a flood of tributes from political leaders and Kenyans who knew him.
According to KNH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, Lempurkel had sustained severe injuries after being hit by a car in Rongai. He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was admitted in the private wing ICU for intensive medical care.
“I want to confirm that the MP passed on while undergoing treatment at KNH. He was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at the private wing, where he died this morning,” Dr. Lesiyampe told The Standard in a phone interview.
He added: “We did the best we could under our circumstances, but unfortunately, we could not save him.”
A Political Career Rooted in Advocacy
Hon. Mathew Lempurkel rose to prominence after being elected as the Laikipia North MP in 2013, where he served until 2017. Running under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, he became a strong voice for indigenous land rights and the recognition of marginalized communities in northern Kenya, particularly the Maasai.
During his parliamentary career, Lempurkel was known for his passionate debates, advocacy for pastoralist rights, and his ability to highlight the challenges faced by nomadic communities in accessing land, security, and education.
Political analysts have often described him as a “grassroots mobilizer” who never shied away from controversial debates, particularly when it came to land disputes in Laikipia, where communities frequently clashed with ranchers and private landowners.
National Leaders Mourn
News of his death sparked a wave of condolences from political leaders across the divide.
Former impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among the first to send his condolences. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gachagua wrote:
“I have learnt of the untimely passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel with a heavy heart. Hon. Lempurkel was a member of the @DCP_Democracy 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. May his soul rest in peace, so sad indeed. Pole kwa familia na marafiki wa Mheshimiwa Lempurkel.”
I have learnt of the untimely passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel with a heavy heart.
Hon. Lempurkel was a member of the @DCP_Democracy and former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may Almighty God grant strength, comfort, and… pic.twitter.com/rjsijJBk9s
Gachagua’s message was particularly symbolic, as the two had both been part of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) and shared political connections.
The resigned Attorney General Justin Muturi, who served as Speaker of the National Assembly during Lempurkel’s term, also mourned him:
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North Constituency.
I knew Hon. Lempurkel during my time as Speaker of the National Assembly, where we shared many moments in the House. He was a good man, and his loss will be deeply felt by those who knew and interacted with him.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Laikipia North. May God grant them comfort during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North Constituency.
I knew Hon. Lempurkel during my time as Speaker of the National Assembly, where we shared many moments in the House. He was a good… pic.twitter.com/6Av7pph6iy
The ODM Party, under whose ticket Lempurkel was elected in 2013, also issued a condolence message on X:
“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 2013–2017 through a road accident. May God’s peace & comfort be with his family & the people of Laikipia during this time of grief.”
ODM praised Lempurkel for his dedication to the party’s ideals and his tireless fight for equity in resource distribution.
Lempurkel’s political career may have been relatively short, but his impact remains significant. As the representative of Laikipia North, a region historically affected by land ownership conflicts, cattle rustling, and underdevelopment, he championed policies that addressed insecurity and land injustices.
He was instrumental in pushing for inclusive land reforms, often clashing with powerful landowners in Laikipia. His advocacy gave a voice to marginalized pastoralist communities, earning him both respect and political opposition.
Many of his supporters recall his grassroots approach, frequently traveling across villages, meeting residents face-to-face, and listening to their struggles.
Tributes From the Ground
In Laikipia North, villagers mourned their former MP as a leader who understood their struggles.
“We have lost a leader who spoke for us,” said Samuel Lekorere, a resident of Dol Dol in Laikipia. “Hon. Lempurkel was not perfect, but he was one of us. He understood what it meant to lose livestock, to be displaced, and to be forgotten by the government.”
Community elders also described him as a bridge between modern politics and traditional leadership structures.
Road Accidents and Political Leaders in Kenya
The death of Lempurkel adds to a growing list of Kenyan politicians who have died in tragic road accidents. Road safety has become a pressing concern in the country, with accidents claiming thousands of lives annually.
Just this year, several leaders and prominent figures have either been injured or killed in road accidents, sparking fresh debates on road safety measures, reckless driving, and pedestrian safety.
Experts argue that pedestrian safety campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and better road infrastructure could reduce fatalities. Lempurkel’s tragic death may once again put this conversation in the spotlight.
— Reporting PEST Time Peer Competence PB Burns KBS (@AndrewKarani11) August 24, 2025
His Legacy
Despite his untimely death, Mathew Lempurkel’s legacy will continue to resonate, particularly among the people of Laikipia North. His advocacy for land rights, marginalized communities, and indigenous recognition places him among leaders remembered for their commitment to social justice.
For many in northern Kenya, his death is not just the loss of a politician, but the loss of a symbol of resistance and hope.
Looking Ahead
As tributes continue to pour in, questions will arise about how best to honor his memory. Will his advocacy for indigenous land rights be carried forward? Will the national conversation around road safety gain momentum after his tragic passing?
Leaders, both at the county and national levels, are expected to attend his burial, which is likely to be a significant event for the people of Laikipia and beyond.
Conclusion
The death of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, former Laikipia North MP, marks the end of a chapter for a leader who fought passionately for his people. From his early political days in ODM to his final years as a DCP member, his journey was defined by advocacy, resilience, and controversy.
As Kenyans reflect on his life, one thing is clear: his contributions to indigenous rights, land justice, and marginalized communities will not be forgotten.
For his family, supporters, and the people of Laikipia, the loss is immeasurable. For Kenya, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to celebrate leaders who dedicate themselves to fighting for justice.
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 2013-2017 through a road accident. May God’s peace & comfort be with his family & the people of Laikipia during this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/GshbpyBbO1
