Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei was laid to rest with military honors following her horrific death at the hands of her ex-partner, igniting outrage over violence against women in Kenya's athletics community.

Cheptegei's tragic death, resulting from a brutal attack by her former partner after multiple police complaints, has spotlighted the alarming frequency of violence against women in Kenya, particularly in the sports sector. This incident marks her as the third elite runner in the nation to die at the hands of a romantic partner since 2021, underscoring a systemic issue of safety and rights for female athletes, which rights groups warn poses an ongoing threat.

Rebecca Cheptegei was brutally attacked on August 7, shortly after returning from church with her two daughters and younger sister. Her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her in petrol before setting her ablaze, leading to severe injuries that resulted in her death four days later. Cheptegei suffered burns covering 80% of her body, reflecting the horrific nature of the assault.

This violent incident did not occur without warning. Reports indicate that Cheptegei had approached police at least three times prior to the attack to file complaints against Marangach, highlighting a significant gap in the protection offered to women facing threats from intimate partners. Despite her efforts to seek help, the system failed to provide her with the safety she desperately needed.

Cheptegei was not only recognized for her tragic story but also for her significant contributions to athletics. Her final race took place at the Paris Olympics on August 11, where she secured a 44th-place finish in the marathon. Prior to that, she achieved considerable success, with notable victories including winning the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and setting a national record in the marathon.

The outrage surrounding Cheptegei's death has reverberated throughout Kenya and beyond, casting a spotlight on the alarming rates of violence against women in the country. According to government data from 2022, one in three Kenyan girls or women aged 15-49 has experienced physical violence. Rights groups emphasize that female athletes face additional vulnerabilities, often exploited due to their status and the power dynamics inherent in their relationships.

Cheptegei's death has sparked outrage over violence against women in Kenya, especially within the athletics community. She was the third elite runner in Kenya to allegedly die at the hands of a romantic partner since 2021.

In recognition of Cheptegei's legacy and the impact of her story, city officials in Paris have announced plans to name a sports facility in her honor. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo remarked on Cheptegei's beauty, strength, and freedom, asserting that ‘Paris will not forget her.’ This tribute aims to keep her memory alive while also raising awareness about the critical issues of violence against women, particularly in the realm of sports.

Marangach, the individual responsible for Cheptegei's death, also succumbed to injuries from burns he allegedly sustained during the attack, dying just days later. This aspect of the case adds another layer of complexity to the story, as it highlights the tragic outcomes of violence that can engulf both victims and perpetrators.

The athletic community is now grappling with the implications of this event, as organizations and officials are called upon to strengthen protections for female athletes. The need for advocacy, awareness, and systemic change is more pressing than ever in the wake of this tragedy, emphasizing that the fight against gender-based violence is far from over.