Ugandan Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Killed In Gender-Based Violence

Rebecca Cheptegei, competes at the Discovery 10km road race in Kapchorwa, Uganda Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. A Cheptegei, a Ugandan athlete living in Kenya was set ablaze by her boyfriend on Sunday Sept. 1

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the body of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei arrived in Kenya, where she tragically lost her life after being set on fire by her partner. The devastating incident has reignited the conversation around femicide and gender-based violence in the region.

Cheptegei's family, along with a group of anti-femicide activists, gathered at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital's morgue in Eldoret to pay their respects to the fallen athlete. The somber mood was palpable as they viewed Cheptegei's body, which had sustained severe burns in the attack.

Reports indicate that Cheptegei's partner, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly doused her with gasoline following a dispute over a piece of land she had purchased in Kenya. Tragically, Ndiema also suffered burns and later succumbed to his injuries.

As the fourth female athlete to have been killed by her partner in Kenya in recent years, Cheptegei's death has sparked outrage and calls for action against gender-based violence. Viola Cheptoo, the founder of Tirop Angels, emphasized the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of femicide and ensure that such tragedies do not recur.

Cheptegei, who had recently competed in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, was mourned by her family and the athletic community. Her father, Joseph, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his daughter and shared plans for her final rites in Uganda.

The prevalence of violence against women in Kenya has prompted widespread concern, with statistics revealing alarming rates of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by intimate partners. The tragic fate of Cheptegei serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of gender-based violence and protect women from harm.

As Cheptegei's body makes its way to her hometown in Uganda for burial, the collective grief and determination to combat femicide remain strong among those who knew and loved her. The legacy of this talented athlete will endure, serving as a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of women everywhere.