In the homely setting of Rebecca Cheptegei’s family in Kenya, the memories of her love for chickens linger on the walls, alongside a darker tale of violence and loss. Cheptegei, a celebrated athlete who once charmed her family with her laughter, tragically fell victim to femicide—an atrocious act deeply etched in the lives of Kenyan female athletes today.
Rebecca’s mother, Agnes, recalls her daughter’s vibrant presence, "You always knew when she was home." However, beneath her joy lay a grim reality. In 2022, after achieving success with a victory at the World Mountain Running Championships and an impressive second place at the Florence Marathon, Rebecca invested in a house in Kinyoro.
But tragedy struck on a rainy September afternoon. Rebecca’s estranged partner, Dickson Marangach, attacked her viciously, rendering help from onlookers futile as he set her ablaze. Despite her young sister Dorcas’s brave attempt to help, they were overwhelmed by Marangach’s aggression. "I can’t forget it," admits Dorcas, haunted by the memories of that day.
The attack left Rebecca with burns covering almost her entire body. Struggling for life, she would later lament to her pastor, "Mama, why was there no one there to save me?" Though she initially showed resilience by speaking about the incident, her condition soon worsened, leading to her passing just days afterward at the age of 33.
As the news of her death echoed across Kenya—a nation renowned for its athletic prowess—the stark reality of a recurring pattern became undeniable. With several other female athletes murdered under similarly tragic circumstances, a pattern of violence seemed evident, usually stemming from financial disputes with male partners.
Janeth Jepkosgei, an esteemed Kenyan coach and former champion, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “We don’t want to bury more ladies," she said, highlighting the systemic exploitation female athletes face from manipulative partners who prey on their vulnerability.
Athletics serves as a beacon of hope for many escaping poverty in Kenya, yet it also brings immense pressure and dangerous dependencies. Young female athletes, desiring companionship and monetary stability, often end up entrapped by predatory individuals posing as coaches or partners. Violah Lagat, a fellow athlete, suggests, "Ninety percent of the time, us athletes come from very vulnerable backgrounds."
With her winnings locked in turmoil, Rebecca was even forced to grapple with Marangach over property rights—a struggle that only intensified the torment leading up to her attack. Such power imbalances, deeply rooted in cultural and socio-economic factors, push these women into precarious and sometimes fatal situations.
Organizations like Tirop’s Angels redouble efforts to counter this cycle of violence. Co-founded by Lagat, the charity aims to provide safe havens and support networks for those trapped in such perilous predicaments. They fight against the cultural backdrop of a male-dominated environment, where even legal processes can be ineffectual or skewed.
Efforts from Athletics Kenya also attempt to address these harrowing incidents, including workshops designed to educate athletes on safeguarding their rights and finances. Yet, the question remains if these measures will ensure that athletes like Rebecca won’t have their lives shattered again.
As Cheptegei’s family mourns, the question of systemic change underscores their hopes for young Joy, Rebecca’s daughter, showing promise as a runner herself. Against the backdrop of inspirational figures like Brother Colm O’Connell, who speaks of the necessity for proactive combined actions, there lies a vision for a safe environment for all athletes.
It’s a vision borne from painful experiences and the courage of those determined to see that "enough is enough." As Kenya grapples with these complex issues, its athletes, families, and communities strive for a future where their brilliance on the track is no longer overshadowed by fear. Top Photos: Jacob Whitehead/The Athletic; Design: Eamonn Dalton
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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