[A couple having an argument. Photo Credit to Pikwizard]

Thousands of mourners gathered in eastern Uganda to say their final goodbyes to Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after being set on fire by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.

The 33-year-old athlete, who represented Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was fatally attacked outside her home in Kenya and succumbed to her injuries after four days in the hospital.

Cheptegei's funeral was held at her family’s homestead in Bukwo, where fellow athletes, friends, and family paid tribute to the athlete’s remarkable life.

Soldiers from Uganda’s armed forces, where Cheptegei had served since 2008, carried her coffin in a solemn procession, and she was accorded military honors, including a three-volley salute.

The brutal nature of Cheptegei’s death has shocked many, both in Uganda and across the globe.

The attack, which occurred less than two weeks ago, took place in northwest Kenya near Cheptegei’s training grounds.

According to reports, Ndiema doused her with petrol and set her ablaze, allegedly following a dispute over land.

Ndiema, who was also injured by the flames, died shortly after the attack.

Cheptegei, known for her humility and dedication, competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th.

Despite this, she was a local hero in her community and had inspired many young athletes with her achievements, including winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2022.

During the funeral, emotional tributes poured in from friends, family, and fellow athletes.

Joshua Cheptegei, Rebecca’s brother and a 10,000-meter Paris Olympic champion, expressed his grief, explaining how she was a role model to younger female athletes.

He added, “We have lost an athletics female icon and a sister to Ugandan athletes.”

Kenya’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, who attended the funeral, addressed the community’s role in the tragedy.

“We are guilty as a government, but also the community is guilty,” he said, acknowledging that many people were aware of Cheptegei’s troubled relationship with Ndiema but had not taken steps to intervene.

He stated, “It is not true that we did not know Rebecca was facing family problems.”

Cheptegei’s death is not an isolated incident.

In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in gender-based violence in Kenya, particularly against female athletes.

In 2021, world record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death by her partner, and in 2022, Damaris Mutua, another promising athlete, was strangled.

The deaths of these women highlight the ongoing danger female athletes face, especially those who gain financial independence and break away from traditional gender roles.

Joan Chelimo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, an organization that raises awareness about violence against women, explained that female athletes are often targeted because they challenge the societal norm of women staying at home.

At Cheptegei’s funeral, mourners wore black T-shirts with the slogan “Say no to gender-based violence” as they called for justice and greater protection for women in both Uganda and Kenya.

Local leaders also announced plans to name a road and a sports venue after Cheptegei to honor her memory.

The tragic loss of Rebecca Cheptegei has left a deep wound in the hearts of many, but her legacy as a champion and inspiration to young athletes will continue to shine.

Her death serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to address the growing issue of violence against women, particularly those who defy traditional roles and seek independence.