The tragic death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has sent shockwaves around the world, leaving the athletic community and beyond in mourning. Cheptegei, who had represented Uganda at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and the World Athletics Championships, most recently competed in the Paris Olympics, where she secured the 44th spot in the women’s marathon. Her promising career and life were cut short in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.

The 33-year-old Olympian suffered unimaginable injuries when her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, horrifically set her on fire after dousing her in gasoline. Rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, Cheptegei fought for her life with burns covering 75% of her body. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of September 5. “Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night,” confirmed MTRH acting Director Dr. Owen Menach, as reported by The Star.

According to the police reports, Rebecca Cheptegei had a quarrel with her boyfriend, Ndiema, over a piece of land she bought in the Trans Nzoia area. The scuffle spiraled into a violent encounter, and Ndiema burned her, which ultimately led to her demise. Outrage and sorrow erupted over the death of the Ugandan marathon runner. Social media was lit with fiery comments demanding strict action that should set an example and deter others from gender-based violence. “Justice must be served” echoed throughout the internet over the Olympian’s death.

The athletic fraternity also joined in to mourn the sudden demise of a rising star who was poised to carry the hopes of her nation in world events. The Uganda Athletics Federation paid tribute to the late athlete on the social platform X, writing: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”

Likewise, Joan Chelimo, a Kenyan long-distance runner, took to Instagram to express her sorrow over the disturbing incident. She captioned, “As an athlete and advocate against gender-based violence, I am deeply shaken and outraged by the horrific attack that took the life of Rebecca Cheptegei.”

Lately, Gabby Thomas, the ace sprinter and 3x Olympic gold medalist from the USA, also joined in to mourn the tragic loss of a brilliant athlete. The sprinting sensation took to her Instagram handle to pay tribute to the late athlete. Thomas posted an Instagram story with a picture of Rebecca Cheptegei acknowledging her impact on Ugandan’s athletic scene and drawing attention to the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.

Sadly, the death of Rebecca Cheptegei isn’t an isolated incident. She is the latest victim of a widespread issue of gender-based violence gripping the East African nations.

Not the First Time In East Africa

Rebecca Cheptegei’s death brought forth the concerning issue of violence against women that is widespread in East African nations. In recent years, several women athletes have lost their lives to gender-based violence. In 2021, Agnes Tirop, a long-distance runner from Kenya, was stabbed to death. Her husband was arrested in connection to her death, and the case is still pending. Likewise, in 2022, the Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was strangled to death. Similarly, in 2023, a Ugandan steeplechaser and Olympic runner lost her life following multiple stab wounds.

But it’s not just the athletes that were the unfortunate victims of gender-based violence. Shockingly, Kenya registered 14 deaths attributed to female violence in January this year. The incident saw massive protests as women in thousands took to the streets demanding an end to the epidemic of violence against women. Rebecca Cheptegei might be gone, but the issue remains as widespread as ever. It’s a wider societal crisis that demands immediate attention and action. Possibly only stern action and justice can truly honor the memory of the late Ugandan athlete and millions of other women.