Former Laikipia North Member of Parliament Mathew Lempurkel has died, a week after suffering severe injuries in a tragic road accident. The crash occurred in the Exciting area of Rongai, and he had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Doctors had kept him under close medical attention in an effort to stabilize his condition, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, August 24. His death has drawn an outpouring of grief from leaders, colleagues, and residents across the country.
Lempurkel served as Laikipia North MP between 2013 and 2017 and was known as a strong defender of the Maa community. Throughout his political career, he consistently championed the rights of indigenous communities and spoke out against historical land injustices that affected marginalized groups in northern Kenya. His voice was particularly influential on issues of land rights, justice, and equality, making him a respected figure among the Maa people.
Community leaders and former colleagues have described him as a fearless and selfless leader who dedicated his life to fighting for his people. To many, Lempurkel was more than a politician; he was considered a Maa kingpin and a symbol of resilience who gave a voice to his community at the national level.
Supporters say his legacy will be defined by courage and an unwavering commitment to justice. His advocacy for marginalized groups ensured that critical issues affecting northern Kenya were not ignored in national debates. Even after leaving parliament, he remained a vocal figure on matters of land rights and community welfare.
The news of his passing has left many in mourning, with tributes highlighting his role as a community defender and a leader who never shied away from difficult battles. For residents of Laikipia North and the wider Maa community, his death marks the loss of a leader who stood firmly for their rights in the face of adversity.
News
Trump Removes Fed Governor Lisa Cook in Unprecedented Move
President Donald Trump has announced the immediate removal of Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, escalating his ongoing battle with the central bank.
Five Journalists Among 20 Killed in Gaza Hospital Strike
At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli double strike on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Three Sisters Among Migrant Victims in Deadly Mediterranean Boat Tragedy
Three sisters aged nine, eleven, and seventeen drowned after a migrant boat capsized in the central Mediterranean on Saturday, according to German rescue charity RESQSHIP.
Eswatini Faces Court Challenge Over Secret US Deportee Agreement
Lawyers and rights activists in Eswatini have taken the government to court over a secret deal with the United States to accept deportees from other countries, arguing the agreement was unlawful and lacked transparency.
Nigeria Extradites Chinese Gang Leader in Interpol-Led Operation
Nigeria has extradited a Chinese gang leader wanted for violent crimes in his home country after a coordinated international police operation involving Interpol.
NDLEA Arrests Widow in Fake Pregnancy Cocaine Trafficking Case
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow, Mrs.
Nigerian Air Force Kills 35 Terrorists in Strikes Near Cameroon Border
The Nigerian Air Force says it has killed at least 35 terrorists in a series of air strikes conducted near the border with Cameroon.
EFCC Declares Atiku’s Son-in-Law Abdullahi Haske Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Gachagua to Reappear at Kasarani After Skipping Kamukunji Rally
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua will make his first public appearance since returning from the United States at Kasarani Stadium during the Harambee Stars’ quarter-final match against Madagascar.
US Begins Review of 55 Million Valid Visa Holders for Violations
The United States government has confirmed that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid US visas, a move that could lead to revocations and even deportations for those found in violation of immigration rules.
Musk, X Agree to Settlement With Fired Twitter Staff
Elon Musk and his social media company X have reached a tentative settlement with thousands of former Twitter employees who sued the firm for $500 million in unpaid severance benefits.
Stockton Trucker Accused in Fatal Crash Extradited Back to Florida
A truck driver from Stockton, California, who is accused of causing a deadly crash, has been extradited back to Florida as his case continues to gain national attention.
Sudanese Army Rejects Claims of Bombing WFP Aid Convoy in Darfur
The Sudanese army has firmly rejected allegations from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that it bombed a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy delivering humanitarian aid in Darfur.
Judge Rejects Request to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Records
A federal judge in New York has denied an effort by the Trump administration to unseal grand jury testimony related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, ruling that the government did not provide sufficient justification for breaking with long-standing secrecy rules.
Roads Ministry Orders Removal of Illegal Billboard in Accra
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has ordered the immediate removal of an unauthorized billboard erected at the Flowerpot Interchange in Accra, citing violations of national advertising and road safety regulations.