The funeral for Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically lost her life after an attack in Kenya, is scheduled for September 14 in her home district. The 33-year-old athlete, who recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, succumbed to severe burns sustained from being set on fire by her boyfriend just days earlier.
Organizers confirmed the burial will take place in Kongasis sub-county, Bukwo district, where Cheptegei’s family resides, approximately 380 kilometers northeast of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Cheptegei’s death has sparked outrage and sorrow, highlighting the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Kenya, where several athletes have faced similar tragedies. Medical sources indicated that Cheptegei suffered burns to over 80 percent of her body as a result of the attack.
The incident involved her partner, who has also been hospitalized with serious injuries. Eyewitness reports suggest her children, aged nine and 11, were present during the horrifying event.
In a response to this tragedy, the city of Paris announced plans to honor Cheptegei by naming a sports venue after her. Tributes have been pouring in for the accomplished athlete, recognized as Uganda’s women’s marathon record holder and a member of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
World Athletics President expressed deep sadness over the loss, emphasizing the need for improved safeguarding measures to protect female athletes from abuse. The incident has prompted discussions on enhancing policies to combat gender-based violence and support athletes beyond the sport.
Cheptegei’s death underscores the critical need for action against domestic violence and femicide, a sentiment echoed by officials and organizations worldwide. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about the rights and safety of women, particularly in the realm of athletics, as Cheptegei is the third female athlete to be tragically killed by an intimate partner since 2021.
