The funeral for Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died in Kenya after being set on fire by her boyfriend, is scheduled for September 14. The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month, succumbed to severe burns on Thursday. She had been doused with petrol and ignited at her home in western Kenya.
Beatrice Ayikoru, secretary general of the Uganda Olympic Committee, confirmed that the burial will take place in Kongasis sub-county, Bukwo district, eastern Uganda, near Cheptegei’s family home. Bukwo is approximately 380 kilometers northeast of the Ugandan capital, Kampala.
Cheptegei’s death has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow, highlighting ongoing issues of gender-based violence in Kenya, where other athletes have also fallen victim. The attack was allegedly carried out by her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who is currently receiving treatment for burns sustained in the incident.