Why does Okonkwo hang himself - JSS2 English language Week 6 Question

After Okonkwo and others return from imprisonment by the Europeans, members of the nine villages gather to discuss a course of action. Four European messengers appear and try to stop the meeting, and Okonkwo immediately kills one of them. But instead of applauding the murder, as he expects, Okonkwo’s clansmen grow furious. Okonkwo sees their reaction as a sign that no one will stand with him in defense of the nine villages. Rather than face the ultimate emasculation of succumbing to the white men, Okonkwo returns to his compound and hangs himself.