Did rugby star Mike Okombe deserve to die as he did?

Kenya Simba Mike Okombe(C) is hold by Ahmed Charrada(L) and Said Mohsen(R) both of Tunisia during Confederation of Africa Rugby(CAR) Africa Division 1 match at KRFU ground, Nairobi on Sunday. Kenya won 46-15.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

The end for star Okombe: Fans eulogise Okombe's sudden demise

National 15s and Nakuru RFC player allegedly stabbed to death on Saturday night.

A man beaming with confidence, a player, who could dazzle with his ball-handling prowess and artistry is no more.

And once again, the Kenyan rugby fraternity is in mourning following the death of Kenyan international and Nakuru RFC player Mike Okombe.

The 27-year-old flanker, who was due to complete his move to former Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar tomorrow, was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend after an altercation on Friday night at a friend's party in Nakuru.

Okombe's demise was confirmed by Nakuru RFC through their official Twitter account.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of one of our own, Mike Okombe, today. Kindly keep the family and the entire Nakuru rugby fraternity in your prayers during these trying times,” read a tweet from Nakuru RFC.

In his condolence message, Kabras forwards coach Anthony Ogot said Okombe's death was a blow not only to what was to be his new club but the entire rugby fraternity.

"I was shocked when I received the news last night (Saturday). We have yet to come to terms with what happened," Ogot told The Standard Sports.

"Okombe had been training with us for over five months and we were expected to officially finalise his move from Nakuru on Tuesday (tomorrow) ahead of the new Kenya Cup season.

"He had gone to Nakuru to clear with his former club before relocating to western. The unfortunate incident happened when they were partying.

"It is a big loss not only for us but also the national team where he was slowly establishing himself as a regular player."

Okombe, who scored his last try for the Simbas in their 48-10 demolition of Uganda on June 24 last year in Kampala, was part of the historic team that beat Tunisia, Portugal, and Spain in 2015 in Nairobi.

The former Western Bulls back row becomes the fifth rugby player to die in less than one year.