Mukogodo West MCA Lempaira Nicholas stunned mourners at the burial of former Laikipia North MP Matthew Lempurkel after launching a scathing attack on ODM leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking passionately, Lempaira accused Raila of betrayal, claiming he reneged on promises to secure his and the late Lempurkel's nominations to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
“Umetuangusha mara mbili. You promised me and Lempurkel a nomination for the EALA positions. The only nomination we got for an MCA came from another community, yet we are very marginalised. You have failed us, mzee,” he charged.
He went on to say Raila owes the people of Laikipia North and Lempurkel’s family, noting that the late MP faced frequent arrests for standing with ODM.
Turning his fire to the new Ruto-Raila pact, Lempaira said ODM supporters in Laikipia felt abandoned and confused.
He also rallied behind ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, warning the party against silencing him.
“Wherever you are speaking, let no one silence you. Tuko pamoja. Tell them the truth, and we will stand with you. The moment ODM touches you, from grassroots we will walk away. We were never elected because of the party, but because of what we stand for,” he said.
The MCA further castigated the government for failing to begin construction of the Doldol–Nanyuki Road despite multiple launches.
“Mzee, speak to us while you are still alive. We deserve projects from the national government,” he fired, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The fiery remarks sparked debate on X.
Raymond Otieno wrote: “Wow!! We must speak truth to power. This is what ODM stands for!”
Charlie Adung’o added, “That's bold. I like this MCA. More should be this bold in calling out. In my Teso South and North, where we've been voting Raila Odinga, we are equally crying. Lakini this @TheODMparty sawa tu.”
Another user said, “The guy was clear. The ground is shifting from evening to dawn.”
Raila, when speaking at the burial, insisted that the circumstances leading to Lempurkel's death must be established, describing the untimely death as a big loss to the people he fought for their well-being relentlessly.
"I am saddened by the death of Lempurkel, whom I considered my son. I hear he was hit by a vehicle and later died. The one who hit him has to be arrested, investigations done to establish if there was an ill motive in this accident," he said.
Several leaders who spoke during the burial ceremony presided over by Catholic priests called for further investigation.
Lempurkel died following a road accident that occurred in Rongai.
He sustained serious injuries in the crash and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he remained under close medical care before succumbing to injuries.
