Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, tragically killed by her former boyfriend, was laid to rest in her father’s homestead in eastern Uganda. The 33-year-old athlete, who was also a soldier in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, received full military honors during her funeral, including a three-volley salute.
A Brutal Attack That Shocked Many
Cheptegei was attacked less than two weeks ago by her ex-partner, Dickson Ndiema, who set her ablaze with petrol outside her home in north-west Kenya, where she trained. She succumbed to her injuries after suffering burns over 80% of her body. Ndiema also died from burns caused when the fuel splashed on him.
The brutal nature of her death has left her family devastated and has sent shockwaves around the world, highlighting the high levels of violence against women in Kenya. Cheptegei’s tragic death adds to the disturbing trend of female athletes falling victim to violent crimes in the region.
A Farewell Filled with Grief and Anguish
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”. Among the mourners were local leaders and fellow Olympians, who expressed their sorrow over the untimely loss of a beloved teammate and national hero.
Speaking at the funeral, Kenya’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, acknowledged the failure of both the government and the community to protect Cheptegei. He revealed that many were aware of her family problems but did not intervene.
Cheptegei’s teammate from the recent Paris Olympics, Stella Chesang, also spoke of her deep sadness, recalling how they had shared joyful moments together just weeks before. “It is really a sad moment in Uganda and for all of us friends,” Chesang said.
A Legacy Honored by Her Community
Before her burial, a memorial service was held in Bukwo, where local leaders praised Cheptegei’s simplicity and dedication. They spoke of her as a role model who inspired many children to take up athletics. There are now proposals to name a road and a local sports venue in her honor.
Her two daughters, Charity and Joy, stood at the funeral, dressed in white, as mourners paid their final respects. Cheptegei’s parents, Joseph and Agnes, described her as a kind-hearted daughter who became the breadwinner for their extended family.
The Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Cheptegei’s death is part of a troubling pattern of violence against female athletes in Kenya. In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death, followed by Damaris Mutua, who was strangled just six months later. In each case, a romantic partner was the main suspect.
Attacks on women remain a major concern in Kenya, with 34% of women reporting physical violence in 2022, according to a national survey. Activists and government officials have pointed to the increasing vulnerability of female athletes, many of whom challenge traditional gender roles by gaining financial independence.
“Female athletes are becoming more independent, and this puts them at risk,” said Joan Chelimo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, an organization aimed at highlighting violence against women. Rachel Kamweru, spokesperson for Kenya’s department of gender and affirmative action, echoed the call for change, stating, “We don’t want this to happen to any other woman, whether an athlete or from the village.”
A Champion Remembered
Despite the tragedy, Rebecca Cheptegei remains a champion in the hearts of her community. Her athletic career began when she joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in 2008, a move that helped support her running career. Although she finished 44th in the Paris Olympic marathon, she was still celebrated as a champion in her home region. In 2022, she achieved one of her greatest victories by winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Her death is not only a personal loss for her family and community but also a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the epidemic of violence against women in the region.
