ODM Party leader Raila Odinga recounted his political journey with the late former Laikipia MP Mathew Lempurkel.

Speaking during Lempurkel’s burial in Laikipia on Friday, September 5, 2025, Raila indicated that he traversed the entire country with Lempurkel by his side.

“Nilisema hata kama nini, lazima nifike hapa siku ya leo kwa mazishi ya kijana yangu, Mathew Lempurkel. Huyu Mathew Lempurkel nim toto wangu,” Raila noted.

A son to me

(Lempurkel was like a son to me. I had to leave all other engagements I had to come and witness his final send-off.)

“Na likuwa mtoto mkakamavu, mtoto ambaye alikuwa na ujuzi mwingi, tena alikwa mtoto shujaa. Tumetembea na huyu kijana maeneo mengi zaidi,” he added.

(Lempurkel was a determined, knowledgeable, and courageous son of mine. We have traversed many areas in this country together with him.)

Recounts first meeting

“Alipokuja kwangu akaniambia baba mimi nataka nifanye kazi kwako, nilimuuliza ‘utaweza? Kuna shida mingi.’ Akasema ataweza. Nimezunguka na huyu kijana Kenya hii yote,” Raila recounted.

(When we first met, he expressed an interest in working alongside me, and when I challenged him whether he was up to the task ahead, he told me that he was ready.)

Raila equally indicated that he was shocked to learn of the death of Lempurkel, which, according to preliminary reports, was as a result of an accident along Magadi Road.

“I was utterly shocked, therefore, to be informed that Lempurkel had died. For that reason, I will not stand by and witness the exclusion of the Maa people. We shall always stand together,” Raila said.

Lempurkel’s death

Lempurkel sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries.

His death was announced by his family, and he was mourned by community leaders and former colleagues, who remembered him as a dedicated and selfless public servant.

Raila hailed Lempurkel as a tireless advocate for the rights of the Maa people, noting that the region had lost a towering icon.