The funeral for Ugandan Olympic marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died in Kenya after being set on fire by her boyfriend, is scheduled for September 14 in her homeland, organizers announced on Sunday.
Cheptegei, aged 33, who had competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics just last month, succumbed to her injuries last Thursday, four days after being attacked. According to reports, she was doused in petrol and set ablaze at her residence in western Kenya.
The Secretary-General of the Uganda Olympic Committee and a member of the funeral organizing team, Beatrice Ayikoru,, confirmed the burial date and location, saying, “The burial date of Rebecca Cheptegei has been set for September 14, in Kongasis sub-county in Bukwo district (eastern Uganda).”
Bukwo, Cheptegei’s hometown, is located near the border with Kenya, approximately 380 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
The news of Cheptegei’s passing has been met with widespread grief and outrage, highlighting another tragic case of gender-based violence in Kenya.
At least two other prominent athletes have also been killed by their partners in recent years. Cheptegei’s ordeal was horrific: doctors revealed that over 80% of her body had been burned in the attack.
Kenyan authorities have identified her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, as the perpetrator.
He also sustained serious burns and remains under medical care. Local media further revealed that Cheptegei’s children, aged nine and eleven, were present during the horrifying assault on their mother.
The city of Paris, where Cheptegei had competed in the marathon and placed 44th during her Olympic debut in August, announced plans to honor her memory by naming a sports facility after her.
Tributes continue to flood in for the athlete, who held the Ugandan national record for the women’s marathon and also served in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces with the rank of sergeant.
Among those offering condolences was World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who expressed his sorrow, stating: “Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic and unthinkable circumstances.”
“Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner who still had lots left to give on the roads, mountains, and cross-country trails,” Coe continued, reflecting on her future potential. He also emphasized the need for stronger protective measures in the world of athletics. “I am in discussions with members of World Athletics’ governing council to assess how our safeguarding policies might be enhanced to include abuse outside of the sport,” Coe added, explaining the importance of addressing abuse comprehensively.
The tragedy has renewed focus on domestic violence and femicide in Kenya. Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged this harsh reality, calling Cheptegei’s death a “stark reminder” that intensified efforts are needed to combat gender-based violence.
The United Nations also condemned the killing, with UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stressing the need for urgent global action, stating, “Gender-based violence is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world, and should be treated as such.”
Rebecca Cheptegei is the third female athlete to be killed by her partner since 2021, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by women across the globe.
