Farewell thee Rebecca Cheptegei
Sep 15, 2024
The burial attracted thousands of mourners, including government officials from both Kenya and Uganda, members of the National Council of Sports, and athletes from the two countries.

PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

Olivia Nakate
Journalist @New Vision
Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who was tragically murdered in Kenya by her fiancee was laid to rest at her parents' home in Kapsiywo village , Muimet parish sub-county, Bukwo district on Saturday.
The burial attracted thousands of mourners, including government officials from both Kenya and Uganda, members of the National Council of Sports, and athletes from the two countries.
Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Sports, who was the chief mourner condemned the increasing trend of men exploiting female athletes for their hard-earned money.
"Female athletes work tirelessly to earn their income. There is a group of men who target these athletes, posing as coaches or partners, only to control their finances. We need to address this issue. Men should learn to work for themselves," Ogwang stated.
He also conveyed a message of condolence from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who contributed 50 million Ugandan shillings to the bereaved family. The funds were handed over to Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca’s father.
Kenya, where Cheptegei was murdered, was represented by Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports. Murkomen expressed his condolences to the family, acknowledging the gravity of the tragedy.
"We are deeply ashamed and saddened that Cheptegei lost her life in our country. Her death is a reminder that we must collectively fight domestic violence as a community," Murkomen said.
He also extended a financial condolence of 500,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately 15 million Ugandan shillings) to the family.
Rebecca Cheptegei's father, Joseph Cheptegei, partially attributed his daughter's death to the challenges she faced in her first marriage to fellow athlete Simon Ayeko. He noted that Rebecca was not valued or loved enough in that relationship.
"My daughter had marriage challenges. In her first marriage, she was mistreated by her husband, which led to her fleeing to Kenya, where she ultimately met her death. If only her first husband had loved her, she wouldn't have ended up in Kenya," Cheptegei explained.
He also revealed that Ayeko had sold a plot of land that belonged to Rebecca, a property he believes should have been preserved for Rebecca’s two daughters. He called upon the government to intervene, ensuring the plot would be secured for the children.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who held the rank of sergeant, was accorded a full military burial, complete with a three-gun salute, in recognition of her service to the country. Having served and competed for the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), her burial was fully catered for by the UPDF.
Rebecca Cheptegei is survived by two daughters, aged 9 and 11. However, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) records do not reflect any information regarding her marriage or children.
During the burial, Col. Allan Kyangungu, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, pointed out that, according to UPDF records, Rebecca was not listed as having a husband or children. He requested the Minister of Sports to assist the family in harmonizing the records with the UPDF, to ensure her children can benefit from her entitlements.
As per the UPDF's official records, Joseph Cheptegei, the father, and Elijah Kwemboi her brother are the only ones listed as Rebecca’s next of kin.