Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Africa.
Tragic Death of Rebecca Cheptegei Highlights Rising Violence Against Female Athletes
Thousands of mourners gathered in eastern Uganda to pay their respects to Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died after being set ablaze by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. The horrific attack took place outside her home in north west Kenya, where she had been training.
The 33 year old Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries after four days in the hospital, having sustained burns on over 80% of her body, which ultimately caused multi organ failure. Ndiema, who also suffered burns when the fuel splashed back on him, died from his injuries a few days later.
Her brutal death has left her family devastated and sent shockwaves across the world, underscoring the growing violence against women in Kenya, particularly targeting female athletes. In recent years, several women athletes have fallen victim to such attacks, raising concerns about their safety and vulnerability.
During the emotional funeral ceremony in Bukwo, Cheptegei’s home district, fellow athletes wore black T shirts with the slogan, "Say no to gender based violence," as they paid tribute to the late Olympian. A memorial service was held earlier, where local leaders commemorated her life, recalling her simplicity, dedication, and the inspiration she provided to children aspiring to join athletics. Proposals were made to name a local road and sports venue in her honor.
Cheptegei, a mother of two, was the third female athlete killed in Kenya in the last three years, with all cases linked to current or former romantic partners. Her death is a grim reminder of the dangers many women face in the country. A 2022 survey revealed that at least 34% of women in Kenya had experienced physical violence.
Among those who mourned Cheptegei’s death were her teammates, family, and activists. Her mother, visibly grief-stricken, wore a souvenir bag her daughter received at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the marathon. Despite the result, Cheptegei remained a beloved figure in her hometown, where she was still referred to as a "champion."
Cheptegei's death adds to a growing list of female athletes who have fallen victim to violence, including world record holder Agnes Tirop, who was stabbed to death in 2021, and Damaris Mutua, who was strangled six months later.
The attacks on female athletes have prompted advocates to speak out against the rising tide of violence. Joan Chelimo, co founder of Tirop’s Angels, highlighted that female athletes, by breaking traditional gender norms and becoming more financially independent, are becoming more vulnerable to such violence. Chelimo emphasized the need to protect women, whether they are athletes, villagers, or young girls.
Cheptegei’s legacy as a trailblazing athlete began in 2008 when she joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, which supported her running career. She won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022, and although her final race at the Paris Olympics saw her place 44th, she remained a source of pride for her community.
Her tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the need for urgent action to protect women from gender-based violence.
