The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has announced that deceased Ugandan marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 14, in Bukwo District.
This was revealed by Beatrice Ayikoru, the Secretary General of the UAF and Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), stating that the burial will take place in Kongasis Sub County, Cheptegei’s home area located in eastern Uganda.
“The burial date of Rebecca Cheptegei has been set for September 14, in Kongasis Sub County in Bukwo district (eastern Uganda),” Ayikoru, who is also a member of the athlete’s funeral organising committee stated.
Cheptegei tragically passed away on September 5, 2024, succumbing to injuries sustained after a brutal attack by her estranged partner, Dickson Ndiema.
The athlete had been doused with petrol and set ablaze on September 1 in her home in western Kenya.
Despite receiving medical attention, the 33-year-old died four days later due to the severity of her burns.
Ndiema, who was also injured in the incident, is currently receiving treatment in hospital under police custody.
Rebecca Cheptegei leaves behind two children. Born on February 22, 1991, in Bukwo, she had a long and distinguished career in athletics, spanning 14 years.
She most recently represented Uganda in the women’s marathon at the just-concluded Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished 44th.
In recognition of her contributions, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Friday announced plans to name a sports venue in the French capital in memory of Cheptegei.
