Running Out of Time: The Sad Rise of Femicide and Murder of Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei

The devastating and painful murder of Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, at the hands of her former partner in Kenya, has brought renewed attention to the unrelenting rise of femicide in most parts of Africa, and we  are running out of time to stop it. Reports Sarah Banda

The former World Record holder’s death, a brutal act of domestic violence, is a stark reminder of a crisis that many women across the continent face daily, and one that society can no longer afford to ignore.

Cheptegei, 33, was allegedly set on fire over a land dispute by her former partner, Dickson Ndiema ( as named in the local press). He has since reportedly died as well from burns he sustained in the altercation.

The heartbreaking incident comes at a time when violence against women is on the rise in both Kenya and Uganda. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, femicide cases have surged by over 30% in recent years. The situation in Uganda, Cheptegei’s homeland, is similarly dire, despite legal advancements aimed at protecting women.

 A UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2023 report revealed that 245 million women and girls across the world, continue to face physical and/or sexual violence from their intimate partners each year. A staggering 86 percent of women and girls live in countries without robust legal protections against violence, or in countries where data is not available. Additionally, the impacts of economic crises, conflicts, and climate change have heightened the vulnerability of women and girls to violence, according to the report.

And more than halfway point to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the urgency to end violence against women and girls has never been greater, yet also severely underfunded, the report added.

Cheptegei, who had represented Uganda at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and had recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her life was tragically cut short on 5 September 2024 in Eldoret, Kenya, sending shockwaves in both the international athletics community and across East Africa.

The Promise of a Bright Future

Born in Uganda, her rise to prominence on the international stage was a testament to her determination and hard work. As she trained among the world’s best in Kenya, her future in athletics seemed destined for continued greatness. Beyond her achievements on the track, she was admired for her dedication to empowering young women and advocating for girls’ education in rural Uganda.

Cheptegei’s death highlights the vulnerability that women face, even those who reach the highest levels of professional success. Her story, once one of inspiration, has now become a symbol of the unchecked violence that plagues many African societies.

Kenya’s Rising Femicide Crisis

Femicide has become a deeply troubling issue in Kenya as well, with numerous cases involving the murder of women by intimate partners. Legal frameworks such as the 2015 Protection Against Domestic Violence Act exist, but their implementation is weak. According to the National Gender and Equality Commission, gender-based violence cases—including femicide—saw a sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uganda, where Cheptegei hailed from, faces similar struggles. More than half of Ugandan women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, often from intimate partners. The murder of such a high-profile figure like Cheptegei has cast a harsh light on the ongoing femicide epidemic, but statistics show that countless other women face similar dangers.

The rising numbers of femicide cases point to a systemic problem deeply embedded in many African cultures, where violence against women is often ignored or minimised. Activists have long called for stronger enforcement of existing laws and for a cultural shift that holds perpetrators accountable while empowering women to seek help.

Widespread grief and angst

The death of Rebecca Cheptegei has prompted widespread grief and outrage. In Kenya and Uganda, the news of her murder has sparked conversations about the rising cases of femicide. Public figures and fellow athletes have expressed their condolences and called for action to address gender-based violence.

The Uganda Olympic Committee released a statement, mourning Cheptegei’s death and calling for swift justice. Her death has shocked the international sporting community, with athletes and advocates alike urging for more serious measures to combat gender-based violence.

A Call for Action and Justice

Human rights and women’s rights organisations are now pushing for a stronger response to femicide. The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) has pointed out the failures of law enforcement in addressing femicide. Despite existing legal protections, many perpetrators walk free due to ineffective policing and a lack of accountability.

Cultural norms also play a significant role in perpetuating violence against women. In many communities, domestic violence is viewed as a private issue, preventing victims from speaking out or seeking help. Cheptegei’s tragic death, however, has renewed calls for authorities in both Kenya and Uganda to prioritise women’s safety and bring perpetrators to justice.

A Legacy for Change

Cheptegei’s life was marked by her athletic achievements, but her death has illuminated the stark realities of femicide. Her legacy, however, should not end with her passing. Cheptegei’s story, painful as it is, must become a rallying cry for the urgent need to end gender-based violence across East Africa.

Her murder must inspire both government officials and communities to take tangible actions against femicide. Women in East Africa deserve to live without the constant threat of violence, and Cheptegei’s death should not fade into a mere statistic. The fight for justice, safety, and equality must be sustained.

Call for real change against femicide

The tragic murder of Rebecca Cheptegei is a stark reminder of the growing femicide crisis in East Africa. Her death reflects the ongoing epidemic of violence against women that continues to plague Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. While her life has been cut short, Cheptegei’s story must be a catalyst for real and lasting change.

Efforts to combat femicide must be intensified to ensure that women in East Africa can live free from the fear of violence. The memory of Rebecca Cheptegei must inspire both policy reforms and cultural shifts that put an end to gender-based violence once and for all.