In a horrifying incident that has shocked the sports world, Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically lost her life after being set on fire, allegedly by a man named Dickson Ndiema Marangach. This disturbing incident occurred in Cheptegei's home in western Kenya last Sunday, and sadly, she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday. The hospital where Cheptegei and Marangach were treated has now reported that Marangach has also died due to burns sustained during the incident.

The 33-year-old long-distance runner, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, had been based in Kenya, a popular training destination for elite runners. According to Nairobi journalist Emmanuel Igunza, the attack on Cheptegei stemmed from a dispute over a piece of land where she had built her house in Kenya's Rift Valley. The athlete's family had previously reported Marangach to authorities for harassing their daughter, but unfortunately, no action was taken.

Cheptegei suffered burns on 75%-80% of her body, while Marangach had burns on 30%. The shocking nature of this crime has spurred an outpouring of grief, condolences, and honors for Cheptegei. During the Paralympic Games in Paris, a moment of appreciation was dedicated to her. Her family has announced that she will be given a full military burial on Saturday, recognizing her service in the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces.

This tragic incident has also brought to light a distressing trend of violence against female runners in Kenya, illustrating a broader issue faced by women in the country. Viola Cheptoo, a Kenyan runner who chairs Tirop's Angels, an advocacy and support group against gender-based violence, expressed deep concern, drawing parallels to the tragic murder of Kenyan athlete Agnes Tirop shortly after returning from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The town of Iten, situated in the Rift Valley, where Cheptegei was based, has become known as a place where male individuals seek to exploit the success of female athletes for financial gain. Over the years, at least three other female runners have lost their lives, with their deaths attributed to husbands or boyfriends. The organization Usikimye has highlighted the alarming fact that these women, just like Cheptegei, reached the pinnacle of their careers only to be tragically cut down by men.

The issue of femicide in Kenya is a deep-rooted problem, labeled a "menace" and a "pandemic" by Cheptoo. Statistics from the Kenya National Bureau reveal that more than one-third of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence after the age of 15. Disturbingly, the numbers are even higher for women in relationships, with 37% of currently married or cohabiting women reporting instances of physical violence.

The report also sheds light on the daunting barriers women face in seeking help, as an alarming 42% of women who experienced physical or sexual violence stated that they had never sought assistance or reported the violence to anyone. The urgent need to protect women and athletes from such heinous acts was emphasized, with reference made to the case of Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, a man who allegedly confessed to killing 42 women and recently escaped from police custody in Kenya.

As the sporting community mourns the tragic loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, this disturbing incident serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers faced by female runners in particular and women in Kenya as a whole. Immediate action and increased awareness are needed to address the systemic issue of violence against women and ensure the safety and well-being of all.