Kenya’s Michael Okombe fends off Spain’s Mathieu-Roca during theieTest match in Nairobi. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 5 – Police are pursuing a woman accused of stabbing to death Kenya rugby 15s flanker Mike Okombe on Saturday evening in Nakuru.
According to detectives, the 37-year-old woman, who was his wife, fled immediately after committing the crime that happened on Saturday evening around 7pm after the two attended a friend’s birthday party.
“We are looking for the accused who happens to be Okombe’s wife. She is at large and investigations are on. We will get her,” Rongai OCPD Joseph Kioko told Capital Sport on Sunday morning.
“Okombe and his lover, Maryanne Mumbi, were attending a birthday party of their friend known as Okoth. The two had an argument before Mumbi went for a knife, which she used to stab Okombe to death,” the OCPD added.
Reports indicate that he was stabbed once on the left side of the chest and was declared dead on arrival at Valley Hospital in Nakuru where he was rushed by fellow rugby player Calvins Otieno who plays for Nakuru ad a full-back.
Okombe’s friend who sought anonymity said there was a small disagreement between him and his wife during which she dashed to the kitchen came back with a knife and stabbed him on the left side of the chest.
The two had a child together but were not married.
Okombe, 27-years-old, who has since moved to Kabras Sugar Rugby Club had come to Nakuru to attend the birthday party and was to use his stay there to clear with his Nakuru RFC.
Nakuru RFC mourned the player saying; “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing on 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.”
Tony Owuor (left), Mike Okombe (middle) and Oliver Mang’eni (right) line up for the national anthem as Kenya faced Hong Kong at the RFUEA Ground in August 2016
Okombe was in Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwaters’ plans, having featured in the test match against Spain in 2016 where Kenya won 36-27 at home.
Okombe was an ever present fixture in the Simbas forwards, making 17 test appearances since his debut in June 2013, finding himself on the losing side only 6 times.
He began his club career at Western Bulls before joining Nakuru RFC where he won back-to-back Kenya Cup titles during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
He had been out of action at the time of his death recovering from knee surgery and was on the verge of completing a move to former Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar with an eye towards reclaiming a slot in the Simbas ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Richard Omwela, paid tribute to Okombe, saying…“Mike was uncompromising on the field,but quiet, unassuming and loved off the field. His death is a big blow to the Kenyan rugby fraternity.”
Simbas Team Manager Simiyu Wangila said…“It is a very devastating loss, the squad is still coming to terms with the news of Mike’s death.”
“He was an instrumental part of this team and will surely be missed. We had intended for him to join up with the team after our tour of Hong Kong but tragically this will not happen. Every game we play in Hong Kong will be in Mike’s memory.”
His Simbas team-mate Darwin Mukidza said…”He was very dependable,fierce and loyal. We were looking forward to his return but have been hit hard by the news of his demise.”
“While its hard to comprehend, it fires us up to work hard and dedicate every performance to our fallen lion because Mike was the kind of person who gave his all whenever he was called upon.”
His death has sparked an outpouring of support from Kenya Rugby fraternity, players, coaches and fans have sent their messages of condolences to the family.
Our condolences go out to the entire rugby fraternity, the family & friends of Mike Okombe. May peace surround you during this period pic.twitter.com/kHdslKm33d
— #FLOODIES2017 (@ImpalaSaracens) November 5, 2017
” Always stand alone for God , He will never leave you alone. ” ~ RIP Mike Okombe https://t.co/lsRrnhEQck #RipMikeOkombe @micaw07 pic.twitter.com/duI6XI9D6C
— Shujaa Pride (@kenya_7s) November 4, 2017
Rest in peace Mike Okombe. 🙁😦 pic.twitter.com/s5NehBHal8
— Nakuru Rugby Fans! (@NakuruRugbyFans) November 4, 2017
Mike Okombe you developed into a pillar right from Chomoka RFC as a leader too. We will miss you, RIP. pic.twitter.com/ebC8G5LkQ2
— Danns OBARI (@Danns_Obari) November 5, 2017
