Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has visited the family of the late Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel, who passed away a week ago in a hit-and-run accident. The visit took place on Monday, September 2, 2025, at the family’s Ongata Rongai home.

During the visit, Gachagua conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Laikipia North, offering them support during the difficult period.

“This afternoon, in Ongata Rongai, I condoled with the family of the late MP of Laikipia North, Hon. Mathew Lempurkel, who passed on a few days ago after a tragic road accident. Once again, I pass my deepest sympathies to the family and people of Laikipia North on the loss of Hon. Lempurkel. I pray to Almighty God to rest the soul of Lempurkel in peace, and God grant his family courage during this difficult moment,” Gachagua said.

He was accompanied by Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, marking the first time a senior political figure has personally visited the family since the tragic incident.

The death of the former legislator has drawn wide attention, with several leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and top government officials, having earlier sent their condolence messages. Immediately, the family confirmed the demise of the former MP.

Lempurkel’s political journey

Gachagua himself – this news caught him while still in the United States before jetting back to the country, and he took to his socials to send a condolence message to the family.

He at that point reflected on his political association with Lempurkel, recalling that the former MP had only recently joined his new party, the Democracy for  Citizens Party (DCP), and even visited his Wamunyoro home, where they took photos together, which was their last encounter

Lempurkel’s political career was long and eventful. A staunch ODM member for many years, he faced legal troubles that included a jail term after being convicted of assaulting a fellow politician. Ahead of the 2022 General Election, he supported the Azimio coalition but later accused the party of sidelining him after the polls. He subsequently switched allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Following Gachagua’s impeachment and the launch of the DCP, Lempurkel shifted once more, this time aligning himself with the former deputy president and even becoming a member of his party.