Thousands of mourners gathered in a remote town near the Kenyan border to pay their respects to Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic athlete who tragically lost her life last week. The military funeral, held in recognition of Cheptegei's rank as a sergeant in Uganda's army, saw military officers play a prominent role. This solemn event took place in the district of Bukwo, where athletes, family members, and others delivered heartfelt eulogies.

Rebecca Cheptegei, aged 33, will be laid to rest on Saturday, marking the end of a life cut short by a horrifying incident. Reports indicate that Cheptegei's partner allegedly set her on fire during a dispute over land, leaving her with burns covering more than 80% of her body. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries on September 5th, leading to shock and outrage among the community.

The man accused of the heinous act, Dickson Ndiema, also suffered severe burns and was admitted to a Kenyan hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, he lost his own battle and passed away at the Moi Teaching Hospital in Eldoret as a result of complications from the burns. The hospital's CEO, Philip Kirwa, cited respiratory failure and sepsis as contributing factors to his demise.

Neighbors who witnessed the incident reported hearing voices before witnessing Ndiema dousing Cheptegei with gasoline as she returned from church with her two daughters on August 31st. The horrific nature of the attack has not only shocked the community but also reignited the urgent call for increased protection and safeguards for female runners who face exploitation and abuse in Uganda.

Cheptegei's body was solemnly brought back to Uganda on Friday, following a poignant procession and a powerful street march by activists in Eldoret, Kenya. These demonstrations demanded an end to physical violence against female athletes. The tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei underscores a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence, with her becoming the fourth female athlete in Kenya to be killed by her partner in recent years.

Kenya's high rates of violence against women have prompted widespread concern, leading to numerous marches throughout the year to raise awareness and demand change. Ugandan officials have strongly condemned the attack, with First Lady Janet Museveni describing it as "deeply disturbing." Don Rukare, Chairman of the National Council of Sports of Uganda, condemned the "cowardly and senseless act" that robbed the world of a talented athlete.

Notably, the city of Paris, host of the upcoming 2024 Olympics, has expressed its desire to honor Rebecca Cheptegei's memory. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has proposed naming a sports venue after the fallen athlete, a proposal that will be discussed by elected city officials in October. This gesture highlights the impact and lasting legacy Cheptegei leaves behind, even beyond her athletic achievements.

As investigations into this tragic incident continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for Rebecca Cheptegei and raising awareness about the urgent need to protect female athletes from violence and exploitation. The loss of such a promising talent serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a safe environment for women in sports.