Rebecca Cheptegei’s body arrives in Eastern Uganda ahead of military burial ceremony

Rebecca Cheptegei's body arrives in Uganda for burial sparking emotional tributes and renewed calls to combat gender-based violence.

The body of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Eldoret, has arrived in Bukwo district, Eastern Uganda, ahead of her burial on Saturday.

Her tragic death has sparked widespread outrage and reignited calls to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, particularly in the athletic community.

The body was received at Suam, on the Kenya-Uganda border, by Bukwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Ajilong Bessie Modestar.

A somber mood enveloped the region as the body made its final journey from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue in Eldoret, Kenya, where it had been held since the tragic incident. Cheptegei will be laid to rest in her home village in Bukwo.

"I am so saddened by the premature death of my daughter. May God rest her soul in peace," said Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca’s father, as he received her body at the morgue in Eldoret as per The Star.

Family members, friends, and fellow athletes gathered in grief and disbelief, struggling to comprehend the loss of a young life with so much promise.

Female athletes and gender rights activists were present to pay their respects and join the funeral procession as it traveled through Eldoret town, continuing through Trans Nzoia on its way to Uganda.

The procession was more than just a farewell; it was a powerful symbol of the ongoing fight against femicide and gender-based violence. In recent months, several prominent female athletes have fallen victim to similar violent acts.

At the morgue, athletes, activists, and human rights defenders gathered in large numbers to accompany the body of the fallen Olympian, reflecting on the growing threat of violence that looms over women, particularly female athletes.

They were joined by human rights activists in a march from Zion Mall to the hospital morgue in Eldoret, where the somber farewell began.

The group was part of the End Femicide Kenya Movement, a collective dedicated to raising awareness and fighting against gender-based violence.

Lawyer Mercy Rutto, a staunch advocate for women’s rights, expressed her dismay at the growing number of femicide cases, especially those involving athletes.

"We are alarmed by the increased cases of femicide and GBV targeting mostly female athletes," she said.

The tragic case of Rebecca Cheptegei adds to a growing list of athletes who have lost their lives in similar circumstances.

In the past, renowned athletes like Agnes Tirop, Edith Muthoni, and Damaris Mutua have also been victims of brutal killings. Cheptegei’s death has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for protective measures and legal reforms to safeguard women in both Kenya and Uganda.

Cheptegei, a decorated UPDF soldier, will be accorded a full military burial, reflecting her service to the country.

The UPDF will conduct the ceremony in honor of her dedication and commitment to both her sport and her role as a soldier.

Preparations for the burial are underway in Bukwo, where community members are coming together to mourn the tragic loss of one of their own.

The impact of Cheptegei’s untimely death is being felt far beyond the borders of Uganda and Kenya, as it shines a spotlight on the broader issue of violence against women, which continues to plague society.

Activists are calling for stronger laws and enforcement to ensure the safety of women, particularly those in vulnerable professions like sports.