In Uganda, mourners gathered in the village of Bukwo to bid farewell to Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died after a brutal attack by her partner. Family, friends, and officials amassed at the local town hall to pay their respects. Cheptegei, a revered athlete and sergeant in the Ugandan army, was honored in a ceremony that underscored her contributions to athletics up until her final days.
Cheptegei's death has sparked both sadness and outrage, as it highlights the persistent issue of gender-based violence in Kenya. On September 1, she was set on fire by her partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach, sustaining burns on 80% of her body. The attack took place at her home in Kenya, where she lived with her sister and two daughters. Despite medical efforts, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries, passing away ten days later. Marangach also sustained injuries and died within the same week.
Rebecca Cheptegei's life and career were celebrated by many during her funeral. Mourners included fellow athletes who traveled to pay tribute to a woman described as a 'heroine' by Bessie Modest Ajilong, a local presidential representative. Her body was transported from the town hall to a nearby stadium for public viewing before being laid to rest.
The tragic end of Cheptegei's life serves as a grim reminder of the violence faced by women in the region. Her father revealed that disputes over property with Marangach had been escalating, leading to the fatal incident. Cheptegei's story mirrors that of other athletes in Kenya who have fallen victim to domestic violence, underscoring the urgent need for societal change.
