Rebecca Cheptegei (22 February 1991 – 5 September 2024). Rebecca was more than just a long-distance runner; she was a beacon of hope and a symbol of pride for Uganda. She began her athletic career in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks, representing Uganda at multiple IAAF World Cross Country Championships, World Athletics Championships, and most recently, the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her journey was a testament to resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of a true track warrior. But in a devastating twist of fate, her story was cut tragically short.

No one could have anticipated the sudden, brutal end of Rebecca Cheptegei’s life. After finishing 44th in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rebecca returned home, unaware of the horror that awaited her. An argument with her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, spiraled into an unthinkable act of violence. Ndiema doused her with gasoline and set her ablaze. Despite being rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, Rebecca’s injuries were too severe. She passed away in the early hours of the morning, leaving a nation in shock and mourning.

Outside the hospital, Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke through his grief. “As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer, and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,” he said, his voice heavy with pain and frustration. He also criticized the inadequacies of the justice system, fearing Ndiema might evade justice. Uganda’s Olympic Committee President, Donald Rukare, condemned the act as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete,” highlighting the urgent need to address gender-based violence.

Rebecca’s death is a stark reminder of a broader epidemic of violence against female athletes in East Africa. The Kenyan community is still reeling from the loss of several women athletes to violent attacks. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with multiple stab wounds. In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found strangled. And in 2021, the long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was murdered by her husband. Rebecca’s death is not just a tragedy but a chilling reminder of a systemic issue that demands urgent action.

In the wake of this horrific event, the Uganda Athletics Federation took to X to express their sorrow, 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.” The post, while heartfelt, has ignited a wave of anger, grief, and calls for justice from a community that has had enough of these senseless losses.

Athletics fandom is in an uproar!

“May she Rest in Peace,” wrote one X user. While another heartbrokenly said, “Justice must be served.” Some fans remain devastated. “So sad, I wish she remained in Paris,” wrote one user. “May her soul RIP. Condolences to the family, the Athletics Community, and Ugandans.” But some voices challenged the language around her death. “She was murdered. Please stop calling it domestic violence like it’s just another row with a partner,” wrote a user.

The emotion seemed to be a popular one! Another user added, “She didn’t ‘fall victim’; she was stalked & brutally murdered by a man, her ex. She was a strong woman, killed by a man.” Another echoing the same wrote, “Let’s call it what it is—Murder! Domestic violence as a phrase somehow downplays the horror of what this poor woman suffered. Male violence against women is endemic, especially when those women are successful.” The consensus?

The sports community has grown weary of soft language and lack of action.“But this can’t be domestic violence. So far, two Ugandan athletes have lost their lives in Kenya; how does one say this is domestic violence?” Other equally critical fans pointed out, “Hard to believe. This is the second time our athlete dies under very difficult circumstances in Kenya… Why are they killing our athletes?” This issue extends beyond the sports community; it reveals a larger systemic problem that needs tackling at its roots.

Calls for tangible change were also loud! “Do more than condemning. Put up facilities in Kapchorwa. This is not the first incident happening in Kenya,” urged one user, while another added, “We need to do more as a global community to tackle gender-based violence.”

As the call for justice and action continues, the world is grieving the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei. The outrage is tangible, the grief is raw, and the cry for justice is deafening. Rest in peace, Queen. The world shall remember you.