The athletics community is reeling from the tragic death of Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Chiptige, who recently competed in the Paris Olympic Games. Chiptige's life was cut short when she was set on fire by her boyfriend, according to police reports. This devastating incident has brought attention to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Kenya, particularly affecting female athletes.
Chiptige, a Ugandan athlete based in Kenya, was attacked at her home near Eldoret, where her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol before setting her ablaze. This horrific act underscores the broader problem of gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya, with government data indicating that 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence after the age of 15.
Following Chiptige's tragic death, fellow athletes, including Joanne Chalimo, who competed against her in the Paris Olympics marathon, co-founded Tirup's Angels. This organization offers counseling and support to victims of gender-based violence and aims to empower young women in the region. Chalimo emphasized the importance of addressing the pervasive nature of gender-based violence, not only among athletes but also within the wider community.
Amnesty International Kenya has launched a campaign urging the government to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of femicide cases. Despite ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence, Chiptige's untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect women in Kenya.
The tragic loss of Rebecca Chiptige has deeply impacted her family and the distance running community, highlighting the vulnerability of female athletes to gender-based violence. As the nation mourns her passing, there is a renewed call for greater awareness and measures to prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring in the future.
