Rebecca Cheptegei Dies from Domestic Violence Attack

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, tragically died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend in a brutal attack that highlights the alarming trend of domestic violence against female athletes in Kenya. Cheptegei suffered severe burns covering more than 75% of her body and passed away four days after the incident, becoming the third prominent female runner killed in the region since 2021. Fellow athletes expressed their pain and shock, recalling the similar fate of Agnes Tirop, who was murdered in 2021, and calling for urgent action against gender-based violence. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on the vulnerability of female athletes in a male-dominated sporting culture, where many are exploited by opportunistic individuals. Both Ugandan and Kenyan officials have condemned the violence and emphasized the need for systemic change to protect women. Cheptegei's death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by female athletes in high-pressure environments like Kenya's renowned training camps.