Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Dies After Road Accident

Former Laikipia North Member of Parliament (MP) Mathew Lempurkel has died, a week after being involved in a tragic road accident. His family confirmed his passing on Sunday.

Lempurkel had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a Nairobi hospital. He sustained severe injuries following a crash in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County last week.

Leaders Mourn the Former MP

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Lempurkel was a member of, expressed his condolences.

“He has departed, but his legacy will live on in our hearts,” Gachagua posted on X.

Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Dies After Road Accident

Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel Political Journey

Lempurkel served as Laikipia North MP in Kenya’s 11th Parliament from 2013 to 2017 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

In November 2023, he left ODM to join President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Later, he moved to DCP, a party formed by Gachagua after his October 2024 impeachment following a fallout with Ruto.

Advocate for the Maa Community

Throughout his political career, Lempurkel was a strong voice for the Maa community. He often championed land rights and pushed for policies that favored indigenous communities.

Controversies and Court Cases

Despite his achievements, Lempurkel’s career was marred by legal battles.

• In November 2021, he was sentenced to one year in prison for assaulting his successor, Sarah Korere, during an incident in November 2016 at the office of the late former Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery in Nairobi.

• In 2022, he faced another case over inciteful remarks made on national television. His statements were described as abusive and threatening and were linked to ethnic tensions in Laikipia County.