Tragic Demise of Olympic Runner Highlights Gender-Based Violence

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei died after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya. She is the third prominent sportswoman to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in the region.

Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic marathon runner from Uganda, passed away on Thursday, succumbing to severe burns inflicted by her boyfriend in Kenya. This heartbreaking incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks against female athletes in the country.

Cheptegei, 33, who had participated in the Paris Olympics, endured burns covering more than 75% of her body. She is the third prominent female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. Donald Rukare, president of Uganda Olympics Committee, expressed profound sadness over her death and condemned violence against women.

Cheptegei's tragic demise has elicited calls for justice and spurred urgent discussions around gender-based violence. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the need for systemic efforts to address this social menace, particularly in the sporting world. Cheptegei's death comes amidst growing concerns about the safety of female athletes and women overall in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)