Tribalism finds a spot as Kenya mourns Mike Okombe

Kenyans on Sunday November 5 woke up to the news that top Kenyan rugby player Mike Okombe was dead. The star was allegedly stabbed by his lover following an argument on Saturday night and died on arrival to hospital.

Okombe and his girlfriend Maryanne Mumbi Macharia were in Nakuru where a friend had invited them to celebrate his child’s birthday. No one knows what exactly they argued about.

Rongai police OCPD Joseph Kioko confirmed that the girlfriend took a knife and stabbed him on the left side of his chest. They were still looking for her since she left immediately after the incident.

The rugby fraternity joined Kenyans in sending condolences on various social media platforms.

Rest in peace Mike Okombe. ???????? pic.twitter.com/s5NehBHal8

— Nakuru Rugby Fans! (@NakuruRugbyFans) November 4, 2017

It’s been a dark year for our rugby fraternity Jimmy Kilonzo, Andrew Wekesa and now Mike Okombe all victims of murderers

— Kimanzi®™ (@Kimanzi_) November 5, 2017

"Mike Okombe" The life of boy child is endangered.. It's high time we called for a forum to address gender based violence against men

RIP!— A F U N E (@AfuneDiFreddie) November 5, 2017

RIP Mike Okombe Shitindo. from our high school days to kenya 15s you was a great humble friend, u promised to come back mike you promised... pic.twitter.com/dJhQmXbvfn

— Mwana wa Hannah (@UnderSieke) November 5, 2017

However, a section of Kenyans aired their speculations and mixed reactions following the manner in which Okombe met his death.

They profiled his demise as an attempt by the girlfriend’s tribe to wipe them off.

Now I understand why our parents tell us "Never bring a Kikuyu woman in this family. Look at what happened to Mike Okombe.— Mkenya ???????? (@ThePatriotsKE) November 6, 2017

My dad told me when you see a Kikuyu lady please run for your dear life mike okombe— Eric (@EAtuya) November 5, 2017

Mike Okombe's girlfriend had to be from the Mumbi family? #Resist like plague for your own security. You either lose your manhood or life

— KISUMU'S FINEST™ (@SammyRanking) November 5, 2017

This triggered response from those who felt that it was wrong to incite political differences in such cases.

Are we seriously profiling Kikuyu women bcoz Mike Okombe was stabbed by one? May he rest in peace, and FYI, I'm a proud Kikuyu lady

— Marie Mwangi (@Mariemwangi6) November 5, 2017

A tribe never commits CRIMES an individual does, Mike Okombe was murdered by his girl friend not by Kikuyu girls #RIP

— Underwood (@GachokiKarani) November 5, 2017

Nobody is telling us what Mike Okombe did to his girlfriend to provoke her to kill him— Status quo (@mainAdan) November 5, 2017