Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Laid to Rest with Full Military Honours

Sponsored Ad

Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after being set on fire by her former partner, was buried with full military honours at her ancestral home in Bukwo village, northeastern Uganda. The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, passed away from severe burns sustained during the attack.

Hundreds of mourners, including family, fellow Olympians, and officials from Uganda and Kenya, attended the funeral on Saturday. Cheptegei was given a gun salute as part of the military honours. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged her contributions to sports, and Ugandan Sports Minister Peter Ogwang described the attack as unacceptable. He also announced that the government would provide financial support for Cheptegei's children.

Cheptegei had reportedly filed complaints with the police multiple times about her attacker, Kenyan Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who died from burns he sustained during the incident.

Cheptegei had expressed her wish to be buried at home in Uganda. Her husband, Simon Ayeko, said the family is struggling to cope with the loss.

The athlete's death has brought attention to the issue of violence against women in Kenya, particularly in the athletics community. Cheptegei is the third elite runner to be killed by a partner since 2021. Her achievements include winning the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and setting a national record at the Padova Marathon in Italy.