By Fatuma Rashid
The late Mathew Lempurkel carried the voices of his people with dignity and passion, standing firm in the fight for land rights and justice for the Maa community across East Africa.
While mourning the former Laikipia North Member of Parliament, County Secretary Koinange Wahome added that Lempurkel would be remembered as a courageous leader, a fearless defender, and a true son of the Maa community.
“His unwavering commitment to his community has left an indelible mark on history and will remain an enduring legacy for generations to come,” he said in a statement shared on his official Facebook page.
Lempurkel sustained serious injuries in a road accident in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. Despite efforts by medical professionals to stabilize his condition, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.
Koinange said his passing was not only a profound loss to his family and friends but also to the Maa community and the nation at large, adding that he was a gallant fighter, a visionary leader, and a man whose resilience and devotion to his people inspired many.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may the Almighty grant strength, comfort, and fortitude to his family, loved ones, and all who cherished him during this difficult time,” he added.
Known for his vocal advocacy for the rights of the Maa community, Lempurkel served as Laikipia North MP from 2013 to 2017. He lost the seat to Sarah Korere in the 2017 general election, and she has since been serving as the Laikipia North MP.
During his time in office, he was a fearless and passionate defender of indigenous land rights and a staunch advocate for marginalized communities in northern Kenya.
In November 2023, he ditched ODM for President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, before joining Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua formed in the wake of his October 2024 impeachment after falling out with Ruto.
Gachagua in a social media post said he had learnt of the untimely passing of the legislator with a heavy heart and that though he had departed, his legacy will live on in everyone’s hearts.
“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,” he stated.
Lempurkel hit the headlines when he was sentenced to one year in prison in November 2021 for assault in a case against his successor.
Senior Principal Magistrate Hellen Onkwani said the prosecution had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the offence.
She ruled that Lempurkel be jailed for 12 months with no option for a fine and went ahead to serve his sentence for forty-five days at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.
He appealed his detention and was released on a KSh100,000 bond on December 20th.