Content warning: this article contains implications of domestic violence.
Then came the honour every athlete dreams of: the Olympic Games. Cheptegei gave an incredible performance for the Ugandan national team on the streets of Paris this summer, gritting her teeth and pushing past the pain to cross the line in 44th place. Have no misgivings: the dedication and hard work this requires is unimaginable. But she was also a kind, beautiful person, who cared deeply for her family and always offered help to her fellow athletes. This makes her brutal murder at the age of 33 by her boyfriend on 5th September all the more heart-breaking.
Cheptegai was doused in petrol and set alight at her home in western Kenya by Dickson Ndiema after they had reportedly argued over a piece of land she had bought. She suffered burns to 80% of her body and died in hospital two days later. The killing has left her family, country and the wider athletics community distraught and distressed. Various tributes have been paid in honour of her, be it at her funeral in her home district, where the Ugandan army gave a ceremonial salute, at the Paralympic Games, where a minute’s applause was held and a eulogy was given, or even by the Ugandan government, who accused itself and the community of guilt.
Because Cheptegei’s death is indeed emblematic of the wider issue of gender-based violence in East Africa. Female runners are particularly vulnerable because they go against the traditional gender norms by becoming financially independent. Cheptegai was the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya by a romantic partner in three years, and 34% of women in the country have experienced domestic violence. It is hoped that Cheptegei’s murder will bring much-needed action and change.
