In a tragic incident that underscores the urgent need for action against domestic violence, the city of Paris is considering a proposal to honor Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was fatally attacked by her partner. Cheptegei, who was 33 years old, succumbed to her injuries at a Kenyan hospital after suffering extensive burns when her partner doused her in gasoline and ignited it during an argument.
Her death came shortly after she participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th. In response to this heartbreaking event, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has suggested naming a local sports venue after Cheptegei, a proposal that will be reviewed by city officials in October. The mayor expressed condolences to Cheptegei’s family and condemned the violence against women, labeling it a femicide.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, was also injured in the incident and is receiving treatment at the same hospital. Uganda’s Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare described the act as cowardly and senseless, emphasizing that Cheptegei’s legacy will endure despite the tragedy.
According to UN Women, a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member globally on average every 11 minutes, highlighting the widespread nature of this violence. Mayor Hidalgo paid tribute to Cheptegei’s strength and beauty, stating that Paris would remember her by dedicating a sports venue in her name.
The area has seen a troubling pattern of violence against women in recent years, as other elite runners like Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua have also been killed, allegedly by their partners. Tirop’s murder in October 2021 ignited protests led by athletes advocating for stricter laws and better support for victims of gender-based violence.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 found that approximately 41% of married or dating women in Kenya have faced physical or sexual violence from their partner, emphasizing the critical need for systemic change and greater protections for women in the country.