Thousands of mourners in Uganda gathered on Saturday to pay their respects to Rebecca Cheptegei, the Olympic athlete who tragically died in Kenya last week after being set on fire by her partner. The military funeral took place in a remote town near the Kenyan border.
The funeral was attended by military officers, as Cheptegei held the rank of sergeant in Uganda’s army. Military spokesperson Brig Felix Kulayigye stated that she deserved a “gun salute that befits her rank.”
Athletes, family members, and others delivered eulogies at a sports field in Bukwo district, where thousands had gathered to honor Cheptegei.
Ajilong B Modestar, the Bukwo resident district commissioner, expressed the nation’s grief and condemned the manner of Rebecca’s death. He emphasized that violence against women should not be tolerated.
Rebecca Cheptegei was laid to rest at her father’s homestead. Her body had suffered 80% burns during the attack by Dickson Ndiema, who later succumbed to his injuries from sustaining 30% burns on his body. The dispute between them reportedly arose over a piece of land purchased by Cheptegei in Kenya.
This horrific incident has shocked many and highlighted the need for better protection for female runners facing exploitation and abuse in Kenya.
Cheptegei’s body was brought back to Uganda on Friday after a solemn procession following a street march demanding an end to violence against female athletes.
Tragically, Rebecca is not alone as she becomes the fourth female athlete killed by her partner in Kenya recently. This alarming pattern of gender-based violence has prompted numerous marches throughout Kenya this year.
Ugandan officials have strongly condemned this attack and are calling for justice for Cheptegei. First lady Janet Museveni described it as deeply disturbing while Don Rukare, chairman of Uganda’s National Council of Sports called it “a cowardly and senseless act.”
It is worth noting that four out of ten dating or married Kenyan women have experienced physical or sexual violence from their current or most recent partner according to recent surveys.
Many Ugandan athletes train across the border in Kenya due to its superior facilities. Despite this tragedy, it is important not to forget Rebecca Cheptegei’s achievements as an athlete representing Uganda at various competitions including Paris Olympics where she competed just weeks before her untimely death.
