SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Marathon runner Cheptegei laid to rest in her hometown

The Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei was burned to death by her boyfriend. Now her funeral is being held in Uganda.

» Updated: 03 October 2024

» Published: 14 September 2024

Marathon runner Cheptegei laid to rest in her hometown
Photo: Andrew Kasuku/AP/TT

Cheptegei's body was transported on Friday from Kenya to Uganda, where the 33-year-old athlete will be buried in her family's village of Bukwo.

Rebecca Cheptegei was a sergeant in the Ugandan army and will be buried with military honors. A number of athletes will participate in the ceremony, including Alex Malinga, who previously trained Cheptegei and also competed for Uganda in the Olympic Games.

She contributed strongly to promoting sports, says Malinga to AFP.

Bessie Modest Ajilong, the local president's representative at the funeral, says that Cheptegei was a "heroine".

The murder has caused outrage in the region and shed light on what activists describe as an epidemic of murders of women in the region. In Kenya, 725 murders of women were reported in 2022, according to UN figures.

At least two other female athletes, Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, have fallen victim to domestic violence since 2021.

Rebecca Cheptegei was attacked by her boyfriend in her home in Trans Nozia, Kenya, near the border with Uganda. According to local media, her daughters witnessed the attack.

According to Cheptegei's family, the marathon runner and her boyfriend had been in conflict over the ownership of the property where Cheptegei lived.

The boyfriend was seriously injured in the attack and later died of his injuries, according to Kenya Star.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Scandal scenes in the World Championship – Staffan Olsson was forced to flee
1 MIN READ

Scandal scenes in the World Championship – Staffan Olsson was forced to flee

John Klingberg signs with Edmonton
1 MIN READ

John Klingberg signs with Edmonton

Manchester United legend dead – was 84 years old
1 MIN READ

Manchester United legend dead – was 84 years old

20-year-old's success: Swedish record on 200 meters
1 MIN READ

20-year-old's success: Swedish record on 200 meters

Djokovic wants to change tennis: "Introduce dancers"
2 MIN READ

Djokovic wants to change tennis: "Introduce dancers"

The Faithful Servant Leaves Kalmar FF – After Twelve Years
1 MIN READ

The Faithful Servant Leaves Kalmar FF – After Twelve Years

Frida Karlsson far behind in comeback: "Just forget"
2 MIN READ

Frida Karlsson far behind in comeback: "Just forget"

Sparkling Ponsiluoma Secured Swedish Second Place
2 MIN READ

Sparkling Ponsiluoma Secured Swedish Second Place

Norwegian dominance despite major dropout
2 MIN READ

Norwegian dominance despite major dropout

National Team Captain Steps Down – Becomes Sports Manager at the Olympic Committee
1 MIN READ

National Team Captain Steps Down – Becomes Sports Manager at the Olympic Committee

The National Team Captain Gets Fired in Belgium
1 MIN READ

The National Team Captain Gets Fired in Belgium

Manuel Arias called female star fat – banned
1 MIN READ

Manuel Arias called female star fat – banned

Lotta Schelin becomes a musical artist: "Awesome"
1 MIN READ

Lotta Schelin becomes a musical artist: "Awesome"

Sirius sells successful player for a record sum
1 MIN READ

Sirius sells successful player for a record sum

Slegers gets the manager job in Arsenal
1 MIN READ

Slegers gets the manager job in Arsenal

Tough day for the Swedes – crash and lost ski
1 MIN READ

Tough day for the Swedes – crash and lost ski

Golden Ball Winner Dead: "Fantastic Football Career"
2 MIN READ

Golden Ball Winner Dead: "Fantastic Football Career"

Easterner deceased: "A fantastic football career"
1 MIN READ

Easterner deceased: "A fantastic football career"

Haaland signs ten-year contract – gets record salary
2 MIN READ

Haaland signs ten-year contract – gets record salary

The Superstar Celebrates – Scored Goals Against 179 Goalkeepers
1 MIN READ

The Superstar Celebrates – Scored Goals Against 179 Goalkeepers