Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic runner who was tragically killed by her former partner by being doused in petrol and set on fire, was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Uganda. The 33-year-old athlete, who had recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, faced a horrifying attack by Kenyan Dickson Ndiema Marangach that led to her untimely death from severe burns. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of residents, relatives, officials, and fellow Olympians from Uganda and Kenya who paid their respects to Cheptegei. Her body was buried with full military honours, including a gun salute by the Ugandan military, in recognition of her service.
Kenya’s sports minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, praised Cheptegei for her resilience, selflessness, and hard work that propelled her to international success. He lamented her tragic death as the end of a promising life cut short by a brutal act of violence. Uganda’s Sports Minister Peter Ogwang denounced the attack as barbaric and vowed to provide financial support to Cheptegei’s children. Cheptegei’s father revealed that she had approached the police multiple times to file complaints against Marangach, who also succumbed to burns sustained during the attack shortly after her passing.
Cheptegei had sought refuge in the highlands of western Kenya, a region known for its high-altitude training facilities popular among international athletes. Despite her achievements in sports, she became a victim of domestic violence when Marangach attacked her on her way home from church, resulting in burns covering 80% of her body. She passed away a few days later due to her injuries. The runner’s father recalled her last words expressing a desire to be buried in Uganda if she did not survive, highlighting her strong connection to her homeland. Her estranged husband, Simon Ayeko, expressed the family’s deep sorrow and the difficulties in breaking the news to their children.
The tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei shed light on the prevalence of violence against women in Kenya, especially within the athletics community. She became the third elite runner to die allegedly at the hands of a romantic partner since 2021, sparking outrage and calls for action to protect women from such harm. A significant number of Kenyan girls and women have experienced physical violence, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to address this issue. Women athletes in Kenya are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and violence, with their prize money attracting male perpetrators seeking financial gain.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s legacy as a successful athlete was celebrated by her country’s leaders and the local community, with her victories in various competitions earning her recognition and admiration. Her achievements, including winning the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and setting a national record for the marathon, made her a role model for many aspiring athletes. As a symbol of inspiration and resilience, Cheptegei was remembered fondly by those who knew her and witnessed her dedication to her sport. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women in sports and the urgent need for greater protection and support to prevent violence and ensure the safety of all athletes.
