NAIROBI. Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, tragically passed away, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya. The brutal attack has brought renewed attention to gender-based violence, particularly in elite sports.
The attack occurred last Sunday, when Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics and finished 44th, was doused in petrol and set ablaze by her boyfriend. She sustained burns covering more than 75% of her body and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries early Thursday morning.
“Cheptegei passed today morning at 5:30 a.m. after her organs failed,” said Owen Menach, senior director of clinical services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. A full report on the circumstances of her death is expected to be released later today.
The Uganda Olympic Committee expressed its sorrow over the athlete’s death. “We have learned of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” said Donald Rukare, president of the committee, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “May her gentle soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women.”
This incident marks the third high-profile murder of a female athlete in Kenya since 2021. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described Cheptegei’s death as a significant loss, stating, “This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles.”
Reports indicate that Cheptegei and her boyfriend had been arguing over the property in the days leading up to the attack. “The land… has brought problems,” said Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, who has urged the government to protect her children and her property.
Kenyan media also reported that the assailant sustained injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment for 30% burns in the same hospital.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation and brought renewed attention to the broader issue of violence against women in Kenya. According to a 2022 government survey, nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women particularly at risk. The same survey found that 41% of married women have faced domestic violence.
This incident echoes the shocking death of Kenyan Olympian Agnes Tirop in 2021. Tirop, a rising star in athletics, was found stabbed to death in her home, and her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is currently on trial for her murder. Following her death, a group of athletes established ‘Tirop’s Angels’ to combat domestic violence in the sporting community.
Joan Chelimo, co-founder of the non-profit group, noted the dangers female athletes face from men who exploit their financial success. “They get into these traps of predators who pose in their lives as lovers,” she told Reuters.
Cheptegei’s death has ignited calls for stronger measures to protect women from violence, particularly those in vulnerable situations, like high-profile female athletes. Kenyan authorities are investigating the case.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
