Uganda lays murdered Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei to rest

Cheptegei, a 33-year-old marathon runner who competed in the Paris Olympics this summer, died from severe burns inflicted by her partner, Kenyan Dickson Ndiema Marangach.

The brutal attack shocked the East African region and sparked widespread tributes, drawing attention to gender-based violence.

The service began at the local council office around 10:00 am (0700 GMT), where Cheptegei’s coffin, draped in the Ugandan flag, was saluted by UPDF officers. The ceremony then moved to a nearby sports stadium for public tributes before Cheptegei was buried among the trees in the mountains, honoured with a gun salute and prayers.

Cheptegei, a sergeant in the UPDF, was remembered as a "heroine" by local presidential representative Bessie Modest Ajilong. Uganda’s Sports Minister Peter Ogwang condemned the attack and announced that the government would provide about $13,000 to each of Cheptegei’s children.

Marangach, who had entered Cheptegei’s home while she was at church, later died from injuries sustained during the assault. The couple’s relationship had reportedly deteriorated over property disputes.