Thousands of mourners in Uganda gathered to pay their final respects to Rebecca Cheptegei, the Olympic athlete who tragically died last week in Kenya after being set on fire by her partner. Cheptegei’s death has left a deep wound in both Uganda and Kenya, where she trained and competed, sparking outrage and renewed calls for the protection of female athletes.
The funeral took place in a remote town near the Kenyan border, where a military funeral was held to honor Cheptegei’s service to Uganda. Military officers played a prominent role in the ceremony, reflecting her status as a sergeant in Uganda’s army. Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, a military spokesman, explained that Cheptegei’s rank warranted the honor of a military funeral, complete with a gun salute. “She deserved a gun salute that befits her rank,” he stated, highlighting her contributions not only to sports but also to the Ugandan military.
The solemn ceremony drew thousands to a sports field in the Bukwo district, where family members, fellow athletes, and others delivered heartfelt eulogies in front of the grieving crowd. Cheptegei, who was just 33 years old, was set to be buried later that same Saturday, with the pain of her untimely death still fresh for many who knew her.
The circumstances of Cheptegei’s death have shocked and horrified the public. On September 3, Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, attacked her in their home in Kenya’s Trans-Nzoia County, dousing her in gasoline before setting her on fire. Cheptegei sustained burns over 80% of her body in the attack, ultimately leading to her death. Ndiema, who also suffered burns covering 30% of his body, succumbed to his injuries soon after.
The couple’s quarrel reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased in Kenya, according to a report filed by a local chief. The attack has once again put the spotlight on the dangers faced by women in Kenya, particularly female athletes, who have increasingly been subjected to abuse and exploitation.
The violent and public nature of Cheptegei’s death has reignited calls for action to protect women in Kenya and beyond. Activists in Eldoret, a major town in western Kenya, marched through the streets in a somber procession on Friday as Cheptegei’s body was returned to Uganda. Their message was clear: the violence against female athletes must stop. The march, which attracted dozens of participants, underscored the growing frustration over gender-based violence in the region.
Cheptegei’s death is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against female athletes in Kenya. She is the fourth female athlete to be killed by her partner in the country in recent years, a trend that has brought increased attention to the issue of gender-based violence. In fact, Kenya has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the region. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, four in 10 women—41% of married or dating women in Kenya—have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner. These shocking statistics have prompted several marches and calls for stronger protections for women.
Ugandan officials have also condemned the attack, joining the calls for justice. Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, who also serves as the country’s education and sports minister, described the attack as “deeply disturbing.” She emphasized the need for greater efforts to prevent such violence, especially against women who represent the country on the global stage. Don Rukare, the chairman of Uganda’s National Council of Sports, expressed similar outrage, describing the attack as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.” His statement, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), captured the deep sense of loss felt by the Ugandan sports community.
The high rates of violence against women have raised alarms not only in Kenya but also in Uganda, where many female athletes, including Cheptegei, train. Kenya is widely regarded as a powerhouse in athletics, boasting some of the best facilities in the region. Many athletes from neighboring Uganda choose to cross the border to train alongside Kenya’s top runners at high-altitude centers in the western part of the country. Despite the advantages offered by these centers, the risks faced by female athletes remain a pressing issue.
Cheptegei was an accomplished athlete who had represented Uganda on numerous occasions. She recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place an impressive feat less than a month before her tragic death. Her participation in such a prestigious event was a testament to her skill, dedication, and perseverance.
As the community prepares to lay her to rest, Cheptegei’s death serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect women from violence and exploitation. Her legacy as both a soldier and an Olympic athlete will live on, but her untimely death has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who admired her.
