Rebecca Cheptegei: Funeral date set for Ugandan Olympian burnt to death by boyfriend

Rebecca Cheptegei: Funeral date set for Ugandan Olympian burnt to death by boyfriend

Festus Chuma 20:00 - 08.09.2024

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei's funeral plans are set following her tragic death due to an alleged attack by her ex-partner.

The funeral of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who died on Thursday from injuries sustained in a tragic incident, will be held on September 14th.

The 33-year-old marathon runner succumbed to severe burns after an alleged attack by her former partner, marking a profound loss in the world of athletics and beyond.

Cheptegei will be laid to rest in her ancestral home in Bukwo, Uganda, where preparations are underway to honor her legacy.

Cheptegei's death has sparked widespread mourning and calls for justice within the sports community and among human rights advocates.

She died after suffering more than 80% burns on her body, an attack that police are treating as murder. Her former partner, with whom she had been in conflict over land, has been named the main suspect.

Local authorities and family members are now focused on giving Cheptegei a dignified farewell while seeking justice for her untimely demise.

"As Ms. Cheptegei’s family waits for justice, they continue to prepare her final journey. She will be laid to rest on 14 September at their ancestral home in Bukwo, Uganda," a BBC report detailed the family's preparations.

The community and her family members recall her not just as an athlete but as a symbol of resilience and determination against adversities.

Born on the Kenyan side of the Kenya-Uganda border, Cheptegei opted to represent Uganda in international athletics after facing challenges in her initial sporting career in Kenya.

Her decision was followed by remarkable success, including a stint with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, where she rose to the rank of sergeant.

Throughout her career, Cheptegei was a beacon of inspiration, earning accolades at various marathons and track events, including the Padova Marathon and a commendable performance at the Paris Olympics this year.

Despite finishing 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, she was revered as a "champion" in her home area, a testament to her impact both on and off the track.

Her life in Chepkum, a Kenyan village near the Ugandan border, was intertwined with the local farming community, which she both supported and drew strength from.

The loss of Rebecca Cheptegei has left a void in the hearts of many, from her close-knit family and friends to her peers in the athletic world.