In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the athletic community, Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is battling for her life in a hospital in Kenya after she was set on fire in an alleged attack by her ex-boyfriend. The incident has not only raised concerns over the safety of female athletes in Kenya but also highlighted the rising cases of gender-based violence in the region.
The incident
Accomplished marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was allegedly attacked at her home in Endebase, a small town in western Kenya, where she was training intensively. The athlete, who represented Uganda at the recent Paris Olympics, suffered burns over 75% of her body. According to local police, the suspect, said to be an ex-boyfriend, poured petrol on her and set her on fire during a violent altercation.
The violent incident subsided on Sunday evening when neighbours heard a heated argument outside Cheptegei’s home. Witnesses reported that the man poured some liquid on Cheptegei before setting her ablaze. The attacker, whose identity has not been officially released, also suffered severe burns in the process, possibly due to the explosive nature of the attack. Both Cheptegei and the suspect are currently receiving critical care at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the region’s largest medical facility.
Growing concerns over athlete safety
The attack on Cheptegei has sparked outrage and deep concern across East Africa, particularly in Kenya, a country known for its athletic prowess and numerous training centers for local and international athletes. There has been a disturbing trend of violence against female athletes in the country, with several cases ending fatally. The sports community is grappling with the reality that even celebrated athletes are not immune to domestic and gender-based violence.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s case is not an isolated incident. Just last year, another promising sprinter, Damaris Mutua, was strangled to death in Iten, a well-known training town in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Mutua’s body was found with a pillow over her face, indicating a brutal and premeditated crime. Months before Mutua’s death, world record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed multiple times in her home, also in Iten. Tirop’s murder shocked the world and sparked calls for greater protection for female athletes.
The pattern of violence is not limited to female athletes. In December last year, Ugandan runner Benjamin Kiplagat was stabbed to death in Eldoret, Kenya, another hub for long-distance runners. His murder, like others, is a painful reminder of the dangers athletes face off the track.
The athlete’s legacy and struggles
Rebecca Cheptegei is no stranger to the challenges of being a high-performing athlete. Born in a small town just across the Ugandan border, she went on to race marathons, earning accolades and representing her country on the world stage. Her most notable achievement came in 2022, when she won a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Despite her success, Cheptegei’s journey has not been without hardships. She reportedly moved to Kenya, bought land in Trans Nzoia County and built a house to be closer to the country’s elite training facilities. Kenya, known for its high-altitude terrain and ideal training environment, has long been a destination for long-distance runners from around the world. However, it seems that this paradise for runners is also surrounded by the shadow of violence.
Reports suggest that the clash between Cheptegei and her alleged attacker was over a dispute regarding land she had purchased. Although the full details of the dispute remain unclear, it has highlighted another dimension of the challenges faced by athletes, particularly women, who are often subjected to both personal and societal pressures that can sometimes turn violent.
Demands for justice and reform
The attack on Cheptegei has given rise to a growing number of voices demanding justice, better security measures and systemic changes to protect athletes from such violence. Human rights organisations as well as several prominent figures in the sports community have condemned the incident and urged Kenyan authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victim.
Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom has confirmed that investigations are underway, but details are still scant. Kenyan police are facing mounting pressure to not only apprehend the attacker but also address the wider issue of violence against women, especially those who are publicly visible.
Athletic organisations, both local and international, have also called for more steps to be taken to protect athletes. Demands for better security protocols, mental health support and conflict resolution training for athletes have been suggested as measures that could help prevent such tragedies.