Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei's tragic death has once again highlighted the disturbing prevalence of domestic violence against female athletes in Kenya. Cheptegei, a 33-year-old athlete from Uganda, met a horrific end when her boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her on fire during a dispute. Sustaining 80% burns, she succumbed to her injuries four days later in a hospital in Eldoret.
Similarly, the case of Kenyan star runner Agnes Tirop in 2021 shocked the world. Tirop, a promising 25-year-old athlete, was fatally stabbed at her home in Iten by her husband. The incident sparked outrage among fellow athletes and brought attention to the issue of domestic abuse within the athletic community.
Tragically, just six months after Tirop's death, another female athlete, Damaris Muthee, was found dead in Iten. Muthee, a 28-year-old Kenyan-born runner competing for Bahrain, was strangled to death by her Ethiopian partner.
These cases of domestic violence within Kenya's running community are part of a larger pattern of gender-based violence in the country. Activists point to the vulnerability of successful female athletes who may face control and abuse from partners seeking to exploit their financial resources.
The tragic deaths of these athletes underscore the urgent need for better protection and support for women in sports. Tirop's killing prompted a public outcry and calls for stricter laws against abusers, with athletes speaking out about their own experiences of abuse.
While the sporting world mourns the loss of these talented athletes, the broader issue of domestic violence against women in Kenya remains a pressing concern. The cases of Cheptegei, Tirop, and Muthee serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by female athletes both on and off the field.
These heartbreaking incidents highlight the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting a culture of respect and equality within the sports community and society at large.
