Former Laikipia North Member of Parliament (MP) Mathew Lempurkel Lekidime died on Sunday, August 24, weeks after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

He had been receiving treatment following a road accident at the Exciting area in Ong’ata Rongai while on his way home.

“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing on of Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, former Member of Parliament for Laikipia North Constituency,” a statement from his family sent to newsrooms read in part.

“Hon. Lempurkel passed away today, Sunday [24/08/2025], in the morning hours following a tragic road accident that occurred last week. He was rushed to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for emergency medical attention but, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.”

The family, friends, and the people of Laikipia North are currently mourning the untimely demise of a dedicated leader who served his community with commitment and passion.

“Further details regarding funeral arrangements and burial plans will be communicated in due course. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” added the statement.

Lempurkel, the former Laikipia North MP, had been fighting for his life for six days after sustaining severe injuries in a road accident.

Back in 2021, he was sentenced to one year in prison for assault in a widely publicised case. The charges stemmed from a 2016 incident where he was accused of attacking the current Laikipia North MP, Sarah Korere, at Harambee House in Nairobi.

Court documents stated that he “wilfully and unlawfully assaulted Sarah Korere by slapping her on the left cheek and kicking her on the lower abdomen, causing actual bodily harm.”

Beyond the controversies, Lempurkel was a staunch defender of Maa rights, outspoken on issues of land ownership, cultural preservation, and the protection of community traditions.

He first clinched the Laikipia North parliamentary seat in 2013 on an ODM ticket, defeating at least four rivals, according to IEBC results. In November 2023, he shifted allegiance from ODM to the United Democratic Alliance.

Before venturing into politics, Lempurkel was well known for his philanthropy as the Executive Director of the Ndugu Zangu Christian Community Charitable Trust.

The Catholic Church-backed organisation transformed lives by sponsoring thousands of children with heart conditions for surgery in top cardiac hospitals in Italy and other countries.

The trust also spearheaded major development projects, including piping water from the Ewaso Nyiro River to remote areas of Ol Donyiro and Kipsing in Isiolo County, among other multi-million shilling initiatives.