Maxine Wahome, a Kenyan rally driver charged with the murder of her boyfriend, Asad Khan, has returned to the sport, sparking outrage among some Kenyans.
Wahome made her comeback at the 2nd round of RX Motorsport Kenya Cross Championships 2023, where she competed in the Soli Gin Subaru.
Her return has been met with mixed reactions, with some Kenyans applauding her resilience and others criticizing her for continuing her career while facing a murder charge.
Sports journalist Carol Radull posted on Facebook, “Maxine Wahome revs up the Soli Gin Subaru and makes a triumphant comeback to the World of rallying at the 2nd round of RX Motorsport Kenya Cross Championships 2023!”
However, her post was met with anger from many Kenyans, who felt that it was insensitive to celebrate Wahome’s return while she is still facing a serious charge.
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“How can you celebrate someone who is accused of murder?” one user commented. “This is a slap in the face to Asad Khan’s family and friends.”
Another user wrote, “I’m disgusted that Maxine Wahome is allowed to continue her career while she is still waiting for trial. This is a clear example of double standards in our society.”
The outrage over Wahome’s return is not limited to social media. Several prominent Kenyans have also spoken out against it.
“Double standards in our society are on full display once again,” tweeted Githii, a Kenyan social media influencer.
“Meet Maxine Wahome, a rally driver charged with murder, yet she continues her career and gains sponsors. Now, let’s contrast that with Shaffie Weru, a man who allegedly made inappropriate remarks on radio, got fired, and lost sponsorships. The question is, would the outcome be the same if it were a man charged with murder?”
Edgar Wabwire, a Kenyan journalist, also took to Twitter to criticize Wahome’s return.
“Maxine Wahome who is allegedly accused of the murder of her boyfriend, Asad Khan is back in the World really racing with all sponsors onboard,” he tweeted. “If we do not call the double standards out, our sons will live in a society where a woman can do anything and get away with it. Men, it’s time to stand up and call this b*llshit out!”
The backlash against Wahome has led to calls for a boycott of her sponsors.
“I hate that cancel culture is only channeled towards punishing men!” tweeted Josh, a Kenyan Twitter user. “Maxine wahome is still sponsored by betika and operating as if nothing happened. Lets reverse gender, if this was a man, would he even resume the car racing thing leave alone getting sponsors?”
Another Twitter user, Osama Otero, wrote, “Name the brands that are supporting Maxine Wahome. Saa zingine ni heri ukuwe petty time ya war badala ya kutumia guns.”
Wahome’s return to rally has also sparked a debate about gender equality in Kenya. Some Kenyans believe that Wahome is being treated differently because she is a woman.
“Is this justice, or just another example of the privilege women often receive in our society?” tweeted Githii.
Others believe that Wahome is being judged fairly based on her actions.
“Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,” one Twitter user commented. “Maxine Wahome is no different. She should be allowed to continue her career until she is convicted of a crime.”
The debate over Wahome’s return is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks. It is a complex issue that raises important questions about gender equality, justice, and the role of sponsorships in sports.
What do you think? Should Maxine Wahome be allowed to continue her career while she is facing a murder charge?
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