Tragic Loss: Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei killed at age of 33 years

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The tragic death of Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has shaken many across Uganda and the world. Rebecca, a talented athlete and a member of Uganda’s armed forces, was attacked by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, who set her ablaze outside her home in north-western Kenya. After fighting for her life, she sadly passed away.

Cheptegei was laid to rest in her father’s home in Bukwo, Eastern Uganda. Her funeral was attended by fellow athletes, military personnel, and government officials.

The Attack and Its Impact

Location: Cheptegei was attacked outside her training base in Kenya.
Method: She was doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-partner.
Date: The attack happened just under two weeks ago.
Age: Cheptegei was 33 at the time of her death.
Shock and Grief: The brutality of her killing left her family heartbroken and many around the world in shock.

Violence Against Women in Kenya

Cheptegei’s death highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women in Kenya. Several female athletes have fallen victim to such violence in recent years.

Gender-Based Violence: At Cheptegei’s funeral, fellow athletes wore black T-shirts with the slogan “Say No to Gender-Based Violence.”
Government Acknowledgment: Kenya’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, admitted that both the government and the community were aware of Cheptegei’s troubles. He urged people to speak the truth about the issue of violence in families.

Memorial and Tributes

Cheptegei was honored with a military-style burial, including a three-volley salute from soldiers. Her coffin, draped in the Ugandan flag, was displayed as local leaders paid their respects.

Memorial Service: A memorial was held in Bukwo, her home district, where a moment of silence was observed.
Tributes from Fellow Athletes: Stella Chesang, Cheptegei’s teammate from the Paris Olympics, expressed sorrow on behalf of their team, recounting how they had shared joyful moments together.
Local Recognition: Local leaders proposed to name a road and sports venue in her honor. Cheptegei was remembered as a dedicated athlete who inspired many young people in her community.

Final Race and Legacy

Cheptegei’s last race was the Olympic marathon in Paris, where she finished 44th. Despite her untimely death, her legacy as an athlete and a role model lives on. She had a “simple and focused life” and guided many athletes in her area, leaving a lasting impact on her community.