The femicide of Ugandan Olympic marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei has sent shockwaves across the global sporting community, pulling back the curtain on the issue of gender-based violence in Africa. Cheptegei, 25, died on September 5, 2024 after being set on fire by her former romantic partner on her way home from church in Eldoret, Kenya. This tragedy has sparked widespread outrage…
Rebecca Cheptegei
Rebecca Cheptegei (22 February 1991 – 5 September 2024) was a distinguished Ugandan cross country, long-distance, and marathon runner, known for her achievements on the international stage and as the national record holder in the marathon. Over her career, she competed in numerous prestigious events, representing Uganda at multiple World Championships and most recently at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Her life was tragically cut short by an act of femicide committed by her former partner in September 2024.