Police in Kiambu County are searching for a man accused of stabbing his cousin to death following a quarrel over a football game between Manchester United and Chelsea. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Gitwamba village.
The victim was identified as Stephen Njoroge, while the suspect has been named as his cousin, James Mbugua. The two had been watching the English Premier League match together when an argument broke out. According to relatives, the disagreement escalated, and James allegedly attacked Stephen with a knife, leaving him fatally wounded.
Family members said the cousins had always been close and were known to spend time together during football games. “They had no history of fighting, which makes this tragedy even harder to understand,” Stephen’s uncle told reporters.
Another relative suggested that alcohol may have contributed to the incident, saying it could have heightened tempers, though this claim has not been officially confirmed.
Following the stabbing, the suspect fled the scene. Police officers have since launched a manhunt and opened a murder investigation. Investigators said they are working to establish the exact circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.
Residents of Gitwamba village expressed shock over the killing, saying such violence over a football match is unheard of in the area. Many community members have called for calm and urged authorities to move swiftly to arrest the suspect.
The killing has also drawn strong reactions on social media, with many Kenyans expressing sympathy for the bereaved family. Others used the incident to call for restraint among football fans, warning that sporting rivalries should never spill over into violence.
Confirming the case, local police said a file has been opened at the station and further inquiries are underway. Officers added that more charges could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Stephen’s family remains devastated by his death. Relatives described him as a beloved family member whose sudden loss has left them in deep grief. “We are shocked and heartbroken,” his uncle said, appealing to the public for peace as the search for the suspect continues.
