Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies in Attack

Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic athlete, tragically died after being set on fire by her partner, Dickson Ndiema, in a domestic dispute over land in Kenya. Cheptegei suffered 80% burns during the attack on September 3, while Ndiema, who sustained 30% burns, later died from his injuries. Her funeral drew significant attention, with mourners and activists gathering to demand an end to gender-based violence, as she became the fourth female athlete killed by a partner in Kenya in recent years. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for improved protections for female athletes. Uganda's First Lady Janet Museveni condemned the attack as “deeply disturbing,” underlining the urgent need for justice. Cheptegei's death highlights the troubling prevalence of violence against women, with reports indicating that 41% of married or dating women in Kenya experience such violence.