This story at a glance…

1. Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, prompting shock and grief in the sports community.

2. Her death follows a pattern of violence against female athletes in East Africa, highlighting a disturbing trend.

3. Cheptegei, known for her kindness and generosity, leaves behind two young daughters.

4. Her passing has intensified calls for urgent action against gender-based violence in Kenya.

Olympic Runner Tragedy 

In a tragedy that has shaken the international sports community, Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being set alight by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old Olympian, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns in the attack, which took place just days earlier. Authorities in Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, confirmed that the assault occurred as she returned home from church with her two daughters. 

A Shocking and Senseless Loss
Rebecca Cheptegei’s death is a heartbreaking end to the life of a woman known not only for her athletic achievements but also for her generosity and kindness. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, described her as a "very supportive" daughter. Fellow Ugandan athlete James Kirwa spoke to the BBC about her willingness to help others, recalling how she had supported other runners financially and had even brought him new training shoes from the Olympics. "She was like an older sister to me," Kirwa said.

Cheptegei's death has left a void not only in her family but also in the athletic community. "This was a cowardly and senseless act," said Donald Rukare, the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, in a post on X. "Her legacy will continue to endure." 

An Ongoing Investigation
The attack is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend over a piece of land. The local police are investigating, and the man, who also suffered burns in the incident, is currently receiving treatment in intensive care and was reported that the man’s condition is "improving and stable."

Cheptegei’s father, speaking outside the hospital where she had been treated, called on the Kenyan government to ensure justice is served. "We have lost our breadwinner," he lamented, expressing concern for the future of her two young daughters and their education.

A Call to End Gender-Based Violence
The tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei has highlighted the ongoing issue of violence against women in Kenya, where incidents of such attacks are becoming increasingly common. In 2022, at least 34% of women in Kenya reported experiencing physical violence, according to a national survey. Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, stating, "This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports."

Cheptegei's death is not the first time the athletic community has been struck by such loss. The deaths of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Damaris Mutua in 2022, both at the hands of their partners, remain fresh wounds. Joan Chelimo, a Kenyan athlete involved in Tirop's Angels, an organization created to address gender-based violence, called for unity among athletes to raise awareness and create safe spaces for women to speak up. 

Remembering a Champion
Cheptegei's athletic career was marked by notable achievements, including finishing 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022. Her death has left many in shock and mourning, particularly her friends and fellow athletes who remember her not just for her talent but for her kindness, warmth, and willingness to help others.

Kenyan athlete Milcah Chemos-Cheywa, who had been with Cheptegei in Paris, expressed the sorrow felt by many: "We are still in shock, and we are in pain, especially as athletes... We remember the case of Agnes Tirop, now it has come to Rebecca, so we are not happy."

Reflection
Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic story reminds us of the profound need to stand against injustice and protect women who face violence and oppression. Scripture teaches us that all people, regardless of gender, are made in the image of God and worthy of respect and dignity.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Him. This includes standing up against the increasing violence toward women and working actively to create a society where they are safe, valued, and respected. Our call to action is not only to respond to crises but to embody a spirit of compassion and justice in our everyday lives. Let us commit to being instruments of God’s love and justice, standing boldly against all forms of violence and working tirelessly to build a world where peace and dignity prevail for everyone.