Thousands of mourners in Uganda honored Rebecca Cheptegei, the Olympic athlete who tragically passed away last week in Kenya after her partner set her on fire, at a military funeral in a remote town near the Kenyan border. Military officers played a significant role in the funeral because Cheptegei held the rank of sergeant in Uganda’s army, said military spokesman Brig. Felix Kulayigye, adding that she deserved a gun salute appropriate for her rank.
Athletes, family members, and others shared their eulogies in front of thousands at a sports field in the district of Bukwo. Cheptegei, who was 33 years old, will be laid to rest later today. She lost her life after suffering 80% burns in the attack by Dickson Ndiema, who poured gasoline on her body at her home in western Kenya’s Trans-Nzoia County on Sept. 3. Ndiema also sustained 30% burns on his body and later died from his injuries.
According to a report by the local chief, the quarrel arose from a piece of land the athlete had purchased in Kenya. The horrific gasoline attack left many shocked and increased calls for protecting female runners from exploitation and abuse in the East African country.
Cheptegei’s body was brought back to Uganda on Friday in a somber procession following a street march by numerous activists in the western Kenyan town of Eldoret who demanded an end to physical violence against female athletes. Cheptegei is the fourth female athlete to have been killed by her partner in Kenya, reflecting a troubling pattern of gender-based violence in recent years. The high rates of violence against women in Kenya have prompted several marches this year.
Ugandan officials have strongly denounced the attack, calling for justice for Cheptegei. Uganda’s first lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the country’s education and sports minister, condemned the brutal attack, describing it as deeply disturbing.
Four in 10 women in Kenya have experienced physical or sexual violence from their current or most recent partner, highlighting the need for more awareness and action against such violence. Many Ugandan athletes train in Kenya due to its better facilities and training centers. Cheptegei, who participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics and represented Uganda in various competitions, tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence.
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