Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated Ugandan marathon runner and victim of domestic violence, was laid to rest with full military honors, sparking renewed outrage over gender-based violence against women athletes in Kenya.

The tragic death of Cheptegei, who suffered severe burns inflicted by her former partner, underscores a critical crisis of gender-based violence in Kenya, particularly affecting female athletes. Her case marks the third death of an elite female runner at the hands of a romantic partner in recent years, prompting heightened activism and calls for justice from government officials and advocacy groups alike.

Rebecca Cheptegei's death followed a horrific incident where her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, set her on fire during an argument. This brutal attack occurred over a dispute concerning a piece of land. Cheptegei, who suffered burns to 80% of her body, succumbed to her injuries four days later, stirring national and international condemnation.

Marangach also sustained burns during the altercation. The repercussions of this tragic event have reverberated throughout both Uganda and Kenya, highlighting the alarming prevalence of domestic violence directed at women. In the wake of her death, Ugandan officials, including the first lady, condemned the attack and demanded justice.

Cheptegei, a notable figure in athletics, showcased her skills at the Paris Olympics on August 11, 2024, finishing 44th in the women's marathon. She had a remarkable career, previously winning the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and setting a national record for the marathon. Her accomplishments on the track were overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of her death.

This incident is not isolated, as Cheptegei became the third elite female runner in Kenya to allegedly lose their life due to violence from a romantic partner since 2021. These deaths raise serious concerns about the safety of women athletes in Kenya, a country that has produced numerous world-class runners but struggles with a high incidence of gender-based violence.

In light of this ongoing crisis, Cheptegei's family pointed out that she had previously approached law enforcement multiple times to report incidents of abuse and to file complaints against Marangach. Despite these pleas for help, the systemic issues surrounding domestic violence and the inadequacies in protection for victims remain critical challenges that need to be addressed.

The public outrage stemming from Cheptegei's death has galvanized a movement advocating for change. Activism against gender-based violence has intensified in Kenya following her tragic story, with many calling for stronger laws and better enforcement to protect women from domestic abuse. Organizations are working to raise awareness and promote initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women.

In a tribute to her legacy, Paris plans to honor Rebecca Cheptegei by naming a sports facility after her. This gesture signifies a recognition of her contributions to the sport and aims to inspire future generations of athletes. However, such honors are bittersweet in the context of the violence she endured.

Cheptegei was born in eastern Uganda in 1991 and moved to Kenya to pursue her running career. Her journey, which included extensive training and dedication to her sport, is a testament to her talent and passion. Sadly, her story highlights a disturbing reality of violence against women, particularly in the context of her tragic death at the hands of her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who set her on fire during an argument. Cheptegei had previously approached the police multiple times to file complaints against Marangach, shedding light on the challenges faced by celebrated athletes in their personal lives.

As discussions around Cheptegei's life and death continue, there is hope that they will prompt a broader societal shift regarding attitudes toward domestic violence. The collective voice of activists, combined with growing awareness, aims to foster a safer environment for women not only in athletics but across all sectors of society.