The sports world is mourning the tragic death of Olympian marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan athlete, who died days after being set alight by her former boyfriend. The heartbreaking incident has once again raised alarms about the increasing violence against women, even in elite sporting circles.
Attack After Church Visit
On Sunday, after returning home from church with her two daughters, Rebecca Cheptegei was doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. The incident took place at her home in Trans Nzoia County, north-west Kenya, near Kenya’s prestigious athletics training centers. Reports indicate that the couple had been involved in a heated dispute over a piece of land that Cheptegei had bought in the area.
Local authorities confirmed the incident, with a police investigation underway. According to a police statement, neighbors overheard a quarrel between the couple, followed by the boyfriend pouring liquid on Cheptegei and setting her ablaze. The ex-boyfriend was also injured during the attack and is currently in intensive care at a local hospital, with his condition reported as stable.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s Athletic Legacy
Cheptegei’s career as a professional athlete was remarkable. She represented Uganda in various international competitions, including the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the marathon. In 2022, she achieved a major career milestone by winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Her contributions to athletics were not limited to her performances. Fellow Ugandan athlete James Kirwa spoke of her kindness and financial support to other athletes, recounting how she helped fellow runners by providing them with gear and other necessities. Kirwa referred to Cheptegei as a “big sister” figure to many.
Family Devastation and Call for Justice
Rebecca Cheptegei’s family is devastated by the loss, with her father, Joseph Cheptegei, calling for justice for his daughter. Speaking outside the hospital where she was treated, he shared his grief over losing the family’s breadwinner and expressed concern for her daughters, aged 12 and 13, and their future.
“We have lost a very supportive daughter,” her father said. He also questioned how the girls would continue with their education following their mother’s untimely death. Cheptegei’s family has demanded swift action from the authorities, seeking justice and accountability for the heinous crime.
A Growing Epidemic: Violence Against Women in East Africa
Cheptegei’s death is not an isolated incident, but part of a troubling pattern of violence against female athletes in East Africa. Attacks on women have become a major concern in Kenya, where a 2022 national survey revealed that 34% of women had experienced physical violence.
Cheptegei’s case draws painful parallels with the killings of fellow athletes Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Damaris Mutua in 2022. In both cases, their partners were identified as the main suspects. Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, while Mutua’s boyfriend remains at large. These repeated tragedies highlight the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in the region.
Global Outcry from the Sporting Community
The tragic news has sparked widespread outrage, both in Uganda and internationally. Uganda’s athletics federation expressed its sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning. We condemn such acts and call for justice.”
British Olympian Eilish McColgan also spoke out on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This is heartbreaking. Even more heartbreaking that it’s not the first time the athletics community has lost such an incredible female athlete to domestic violence.”
Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the growing issue of domestic 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.
Hospital Struggles to Save Cheptegei
After the attack, Cheptegei was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where doctors did all they could to save her. Dr. Kimani Mbugua, a consultant at the hospital, stated that Cheptegei had suffered severe burns that affected a large percentage of her body. Despite the medical team’s efforts, she succumbed to her injuries due to multi-organ failure at 5:30 AM local time on the day of her passing.
Remembering Rebecca Cheptegei’s Legacy
Rebecca Cheptegei will be remembered not only as a successful athlete but also as a generous and supportive figure in the East African athletics community. Her dedication to the sport, both as a competitor and a mentor to fellow athletes, leaves a lasting legacy.
In the wake of her tragic death, the world has been reminded of the dangers faced by women, even those who have reached the pinnacle of success in their careers. As calls for justice continue, Cheptegei’s legacy as a remarkable athlete and a loving mother will endure.
Urgent Need to Address Domestic Violence
Cheptegei’s death adds to the alarming number of cases where female athletes have lost their lives due to domestic violence. Her tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence, not only in East Africa but globally. Advocates are calling for better protection and support for women, ensuring their safety both inside and outside the sports community.
The loss of Rebecca Cheptegei is felt deeply across the sporting world, and the call for justice grows louder as her family, friends, and fellow athletes mourn the senseless act of violence that claimed her life.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As the investigation continues, the global community is watching to see how justice will be served in the wake of Rebecca Cheptegei’s death. Her legacy as an elite athlete, a kind-hearted mentor, and a devoted mother will not be forgotten. However, this tragedy emphasizes the ongoing battle against domestic violence and the urgent need for systemic change to protect women everywhere.
