Thousands of mourners gathered in Bukwo, Uganda, to pay their respects to Rebecca Chepte, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner who was brutally murdered by her former boyfriend. Chepte, who was killed earlier this month after being set on fire, had recently competed in the Paris Olympic Games and was a respected member of the Ugandan Armed Forces. Her funeral was marked by full military honors in recognition of her service.
Chepte's tragic death has brought renewed attention to the issue of domestic violence, particularly in Kenya, where she lived and trained. This incident is especially alarming as she is the third athlete to die as a result of domestic violence in Kenya in just three years. Her murder has highlighted the endemic nature of gender-based violence in the region and has sparked widespread outrage and calls for change.
