Paris plans to honor Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic marathoner who tragically lost her life after being set on fire by her boyfriend earlier this week, by naming a sports facility after her. Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced this tribute on Friday, stating that the proposal will be reviewed by city officials in October.
Hidalgo expressed her admiration for Cheptegei, remarking, “She dazzled us here in Paris. We saw her — her beauty, her strength, her freedom — and it was in all likelihood her beauty, strength, and freedom which were intolerable for the person who committed this murder.” She emphasized that Paris will not forget Cheptegei and that dedicating a sports venue to her will help enshrine her memory and promote the message of equality embraced by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the marathon at the Paris Games, passed away on Thursday, four days after a horrific incident where her boyfriend doused her in gasoline and ignited her in Kenya. The 33-year-old suffered severe burns covering 80% of her body from the attack.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, is currently receiving treatment for burns he sustained during the incident, as he set her on fire amid a dispute.
Cheptegei is the third notable female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen expressed that her death is a loss “to the entire region” and affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice.
“This is a critical moment — not just to mourn the loss of a remarkable Olympian, but to commit ourselves to creating a society that respects and protects the dignity of every individual,” stated Ganzi Semu Mugula, chair of the Uganda Athletes Commission, on Friday.