Who was former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel

Former Laikipia North Member of Parliament Mathew Lekidime Lempurkel has left behind a mixed legacy of philanthropy and political activism.

Lempurkel died on Sunday following a road accident that occurred last week in Rongai.

He sustained serious injuries in the crash and had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.

His death has drawn widespread tributes from across the political spectrum, with leaders describing him as a courageous and selfless servant of the people.

But who was he?

MP Lempurkel served in the 11th Parliament between 2013 and 2017 after being elected on an ODM ticket. 

During his tenure, he positioned himself as a defender of the Maa community and a vocal figure in national politics. 

His time in Parliament was, however, cut short in the 2017 election when he lost his seat to Jubilee Party’s Sarah Korere.

Before entering politics, Lempurkel made his mark through humanitarian work. 

He served as the Executive Director of Ndugu Zangu Christian Community Charitable Trust, a Catholic-based non-governmental organization. 

Under his leadership, the trust sponsored heart surgeries for children in Italy and initiated water projects in Isiolo and Laikipia. 

These efforts earned him recognition as a leader who was keen on uplifting vulnerable communities.

His political journey was not without turbulence. In 2016, Lempurkel made headlines for the wrong reasons after an altercation with then-nominated MP Sarah Korere. 

He was accused of assaulting her at Harambee House in Nairobi by slapping and kicking her.

In 2021, a Nairobi court found him guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm and sentenced him to one year in prison without the option of a fine.

He later appealed the conviction and was released on a cash bail of Ksh100,000 pending appeal. The conviction cast a shadow over his career, but he remained active in politics.

After losing his seat in 2017, he continued shifting political affiliations. 

Lempurkel initially stuck with ODM before moving to UDA and later aligning himself with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which was launched by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

News of his death has been met with tributes from across the political divide. 

ODM leader Raila Odinga described him as “a tireless advocate for the Maa community, fierce defender of justice, and a stalwart of the ODM party.

Gachagua, under whose DCP banner Lempurkel had most recently worked, remembered him as “a dedicated public servant” whose legacy would endure.

During his political life, Lempurkel was seen as a passionate, if sometimes controversial, defender of community rights. 

He strongly identified with the challenges facing pastoralist communities in Laikipia and the greater Maa region. 

His career illustrated the sharp contrasts of Kenyan politics: a man celebrated for his charitable works and advocacy.

Lempurkel’s death at Kenyatta National Hospital ICU, where he had been admitted after the crash in Ongata Rongai, closes the chapter on a career that touched many lives both positively. 

His passing has left Laikipia and the wider Maa community reflecting on his contributions to politics, philanthropy, and leadership.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga mourned the former MP, describing him as a stalwart.

Wanga said MP Lempurkel was a dedicated comrade and a true voice for his people.

 “It was an honour to serve alongside him in Parliament. On behalf of the ODM fraternity, I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Laikipia North. May you find strength in this dark time. Rest in peace.”

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula said they have received the news of the passing of the former MP with deep sorrow.

Wetang’ula said he will be remembered as a devoted leader who passionately championed the rights and interests of marginalized communities.

“On behalf of Parliament and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Laikipia North. May they draw strength from his service and sacrifice. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” he said.

In a statement on X, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi said he knew the MP during his time as the speaker of the national assembly.

“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North Constituency. 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,” he said.

“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.”