September 14th 2024.
Thousands of people in Uganda came together to honor the life of Rebecca Cheptegei on Saturday. The Olympic athlete tragically passed away in Kenya last week after being set on fire by her partner. It was a somber and emotional military funeral, held in a small town near the border of Kenya.
The military played a significant role in the ceremony as Cheptegei held the rank of sergeant in Uganda's army. Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, a military spokesperson, stated that she deserved a fitting farewell with a "gun salute that befits her rank." The service was attended by fellow athletes, family members, and thousands of others who came to pay their respects. The event took place in a sports field in Bukwo district, where eulogies were delivered and tributes were made.
During the service, there was a strong condemnation of domestic violence, with many speakers urging for an end to violence against women. Ajilong B. Modestar, the Bukwo resident district commissioner, described the nation as being in a "black and dark moment." He spoke out against the manner in which Cheptegei lost her life and called for an end to the mistreatment of women.
Cheptegei, who was only 33 years old, was laid to rest at her father's homestead. She suffered 80% burns after being doused with gasoline by her partner, Dickson Ndiema, at their home in Kenya's Trans-Nzoia County on September 3rd. Ndiema also sustained severe burns and later passed away from his injuries. The local chief reported that the couple had been in a dispute over a piece of land that Cheptegei had purchased in Kenya.
The horrific attack sent shockwaves throughout the community and sparked calls for better protection for female runners who often face exploitation and abuse in East Africa. Cheptegei's body was brought back to Uganda on Friday in a poignant procession, which was followed by a march of activists in Eldoret, Kenya, demanding an end to violence against female athletes.
Sadly, Cheptegei is not the only female athlete to have been killed by her partner in Kenya. This disturbing pattern has led to several marches this year, highlighting the high rates of violence against women in the country. The attack on Cheptegei has been strongly condemned by officials in Uganda, including First Lady Janet Museveni, who is also the country's education and sports minister. Don Rukare, chairman of the National Council of Sports of Uganda, called it a "cowardly and senseless act" that resulted in the loss of a great athlete.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 41% of dating or married women in Kenya have experienced physical or sexual violence from their current or most recent partner. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for better protection and support for women in the country. Many Ugandan athletes often train in Kenya, known for its superior training facilities, including a high-altitude center where some of the region's top runners train together.
Cheptegei had represented Uganda at various competitions and had recently participated in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. Her life was cut short just weeks later, leaving the sports community mourning her loss. As the nation mourns the loss of a talented athlete, it is also a time to reflect on the issue of domestic violence and the need to take action to protect women. For those who may need support, help is available from the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT.
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