The tragic death of Ugandan marathon runner and Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has sent shockwaves across the world. The 33-year-old athlete, who had competed in the recent Paris Olympics, died after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. The attack occurred on Sunday, shortly after Cheptegei returned home from church with her two daughters. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she succumbed to her injuries days later.
Cheptegei’s death is a grim reminder of the rising cases of violence against female athletes in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, where she lived and trained.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The attack took place in Trans Nzoia County, located in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei had purchased land and built a home. The couple had reportedly been engaged in a dispute over this property. On the day of the incident, neighbors reported hearing a heated argument between the athlete and her ex-boyfriend outside her house. It was during this altercation that the man doused Cheptegei in petrol and set her on fire.
Both Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend were taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she was treated for extensive burns. According to Dr. Owen Menach, the head of the hospital, all of Cheptegei’s organs failed as a result of the severe burns, leading to her death. Her ex-boyfriend, who also suffered burns but to a lesser extent, remains in intensive care. Authorities are investigating the incident, but as of now, no formal charges have been filed.
A Nation in Mourning
Cheptegei’s death has left her family, friends, and fellow athletes devastated. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke to the media outside the hospital, expressing his grief and calling for justice. “We have lost our breadwinner,” he said, noting that his daughter had been a vital support system for the family, including her two young daughters, aged 12 and 13. “I wonder how her children will continue their education without her,” he added.
Fellow Ugandan athlete James Kirwa, who had visited Cheptegei in the hospital, shared fond memories of her generosity and support. “She was like an older sister to me. She helped us financially, even bringing me training shoes when she returned from the Olympics,” Kirwa told the BBC.
Uganda’s athletics federation expressed its deep sorrow in a post on social media, condemning the act of domestic violence that led to her death. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
A Storied Athletic Career
Rebecca Cheptegei was an accomplished long-distance runner. She finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She was considered one of Uganda’s top athletes, having competed in various international events, including the Discovery 10km road race in Kapchorwa, Uganda, earlier this year.
Her death marks the third time since 2021 that a prominent East African female athlete has been killed in an act of domestic violence. Fellow athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua were both murdered by their partners in separate incidents in 2021 and 2022. These cases have raised concerns about the safety of female athletes and the growing issue of gender-based violence in the region.
Growing Concerns Over Gender-Based Violence
Kenya has seen a disturbing rise in gender-based violence, with a 2022 national survey revealing that at least 34% of women have experienced physical violence. This includes high-profile cases such as those of Tirop and Mutua, both of whom were killed under similar circumstances. Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, while authorities are still searching for Mutua’s boyfriend.
Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, has called Cheptegei’s death a “stark reminder” of the urgent need to address gender-based violence in the country. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports,” he said.
The world of athletics is mourning the loss of a talented runner who had so much more to give. Cheptegei’s legacy will not only be remembered for her accomplishments on the track but also for her generosity and the lives she touched during her short time on earth. As her family and friends grieve, the call for justice grows louder, not just for Cheptegei but for all victims of gender-based violence.
Conclusion
The death of Rebecca Cheptegei is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by domestic violence, even among high-profile athletes. Her tragic story highlights the urgent need for stronger legal protections and awareness campaigns to combat this growing issue. As her family and friends seek justice, her legacy as an athlete and humanitarian will continue to inspire future generations.
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Source: BBC