Rebecca Cheptegei Laid to Rest: Uganda Mourns Murdered Athletics Star
Cheptegei debuted in women's marathon at Paris Olympics and succumbed to severe burns after attack by partner
Uganda-Residents, officials, and relatives gathered in the village of Bukwo, Uganda, to pay their respects to Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after being set on fire by her partner in Kenya. The 33-year-old athlete, who debuted in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, succumbed to severe burns last week.
The brutal assault has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with activists highlighting the growing issue of gender-based violence in Kenya. Cheptegei’s family, including her estranged husband Simon Ayeko, expressed their devastation, with Ayeko stating, “As a father, it has been very difficult. Slowly, we will tell our children the truth.”
The funeral service, attended by scores of athletes, began at 10 am, with officials and relatives gathering at the local council office. Cheptegei’s body will be moved to a nearby sports stadium for public viewing before being laid to rest at 3 pm.
Coach Alex Malinga, who trained Cheptegei as a teenager, remembered her as a “heroine” who greatly contributed to the promotion of athletics. Local media reports suggest Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the attack, which occurred after her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, snuck into her home while she was at church.
The vicious assault has highlighted the growing issue of femicide in Kenya, with 725 cases reported in 2022 alone. Cheptegei’s death follows those of fellow athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, who lost their lives in domestic violence incidents since 2021.
