The Kenyan government has promised to make sure justice is done for Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, who passed away after a terrible attack. Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, shared his sadness over her death and talked about the need to fight gender-based violence, especially in sports.
Murkomen said that the tragic event was a reminder that more needs to be done to protect women. He assured the public that the government would fully investigate the case and ensure the person responsible faces the law. Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old runner who took part in the Paris 2024 Olympics, passed away on September 5, 2024. She was badly burned after her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire on September 1, 2024.
Doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, tried to save her, but she had burns on more than 75% of her body, and she sadly passed away. Leaders in Uganda have also expressed their sadness. Peter Ogwang, Uganda’s Minister of State for Education and Sports, said that the Ugandan government is following the investigation being done by Kenyan authorities. He also mentioned the importance of getting justice for Rebecca and her family.
Uganda’s Parliament Speaker, Anita Among, said that such violence was unacceptable and called for a quick investigation. She said that gender-based violence has no place in society and that the person who committed this crime must face justice.
Rebecca Cheptegei was well known in Uganda for her success in marathons. She competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and held Uganda’s national marathon record. Her death has shocked the athletics world and raised concerns about the safety of female athletes, especially after similar incidents, such as the murder of Kenyan athlete Agnes Tirop in 2021.
Many people are hoping for quick justice, and Rebecca will be remembered for her strength and achievements as one of Uganda’s top runners.
By Pulse