Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei tragically killed in Kenya

Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic runner, tragically passed away in a hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, after suffering severe burns inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, Ndiema. The incident occurred during an argument at her home, where Ndiema allegedly doused her with petrol and set her alight. Witnesses reported that one of Cheptegei's daughters witnessed the horrific attack, which left her with 80% of her body burned. Cheptegei was rushed to the intensive care unit but succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Her funeral is scheduled for September 14 in Bukwo, Uganda, following a procession in Eldoret where family and activists gathered to honor her memory and call for an end to gender-based violence. Cheptegei's mother, Agnes, and father, Joseph, expressed their grief and desire for justice, highlighting the trust Cheptegei had in her attacker, who was described as a friend. The incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the alarming rates of gender-based violence in Kenya, where a significant percentage of women have experienced violence from partners. Cheptegei's death marks the third case of an athlete dying from such violence in Kenya since 2021, raising concerns about the safety of women in the country. As the family mourns, they are also seeking accountability for the crime, with Joseph Cheptegei emphasizing the need for justice for his daughter. The tragic event has resonated globally, prompting discussions about the urgent need to address and combat gender violence in society.