Funeral events began in Uganda on Saturday for Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was brutally attacked and set on fire by her former boyfriend in Kenya two weeks ago. Cheptegei, 33, died in the hospital four days after suffering burns to over 80% of her body.
The attack occurred outside her home in north-western Kenya, near her training grounds, shocking her family and the world. Cheptegei’s killing has drawn attention to the high levels of violence against women in Kenya, with several female athletes falling victim in recent years.
Cheptegei’s funeral was held in her home district of Bukwo, Uganda, with full military honors as she was a member of the Ugandan armed forces. Her coffin, draped in the Ugandan flag, was displayed at a memorial service where local leaders paid tribute to her. Cheptegei was praised for her simple, focused life and for inspiring local children to pursue athletics. Officials also proposed naming a road and sports venue in her honor.
She will be buried at her father’s homestead later in the day.
Cheptegei, a mother of two, had recently competed in the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the marathon. She was remembered as a “champion” in her community, despite the tragic end to her life.
Her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, who attacked her after she returned from church, also died from burns sustained during the assault. Cheptegei had previously reported Ndiema to the police multiple times for harassment.
Cheptegei’s death is the latest in a series of violent attacks against female athletes in Kenya, sparking growing concerns about gender-based violence in the country. Women’s rights activists continue to call for greater protections and support for women, particularly those who challenge traditional gender norms and gain financial independence.
Cheptegei’s achievements included winning gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand. Despite her untimely death, her legacy is expected to endure as both a champion runner and an advocate for change.
