The tragic death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has sparked outrage and mobilized activists against gender-based violence in Kenya.
Cheptegei’s body began its journey home to Uganda on Friday, accompanied by a funeral march and rally in Eldoret, Kenya, where she lived.
The 33-year-old athlete died after being attacked by her Kenyan partner, who poured petrol over her and set her ablaze.
This horrific incident is the third reported case of an athlete dying due to gender-based violence in Kenya since 2021.
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Activists and athletes joined forces to protest the escalating violence against women, carrying signs that read “Say no to femicide” and “Being a woman should not be a death sentence.” The rally aimed to raise awareness about the severity of gender-based violence and demand action to prevent such tragedies.
Cheptegei’s family and friends described her as a pillar of strength, and her uncle expressed sadness over the loss. The funeral is planned for Saturday in Bukwo, Uganda, where Cheptegei’s family resides.
The incident highlights the alarming rate of gender-based violence in Kenya, with a 2023 report revealing that 34% of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
The death of Rebecca Cheptegei serves as a poignant reminder of the need for collective action to combat femicide and ensure women’s safety and well-being.
