Thousands of mourners have gathered in eastern Uganda for the funeral of Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died after being set ablaze by her former boyfriend.
Dickson Ndiema attacked Cheptegei with petrol just under two weeks ago outside her home in north-west Kenya, near where she trained.
The 33-year-old athlete’s death, and the brutal nature of the attack, has left her family devastated and shocked many around the world. The incident highlights the severe issue of violence against women in Kenya, with several female athletes falling victim in recent years.
At the somber and emotional funeral held in a school field in Bukwo, Cheptegei’s home district, fellow athletes wore black T-shirts with the slogan “Say No to Gender-Based Violence.”
Local leaders conducted a memorial service with her coffin displayed and draped in the Ugandan flag. They observed a moment of silence and gave a standing ovation to honor the late athlete.
Councillors described Cheptegei as living a “simple and focused life” and noted her role in inspiring local youth to take up athletics. They also proposed naming a road and a local sports venue in her honor.
Cheptegei will be buried later on Saturday at her father’s homestead nearby.
She passed away in the hospital four days after the attack, suffering burns on more than 80% of her body, which led to multi-organ failure. Ndiema, who also sustained burns from the petrol, died on Monday.