Olympics Interviews
Chioma Ajunwa Demands Justice for Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
Chioma Ajunwa calls for justice following the tragic death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who succumbed to severe burns after a violent attack.
Image Credits: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images
The tragic death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has ignited outrage across the African continent and world at large.
Cheptegei, 33, died on Thursday 5th September in Eldoret, Kenya, after sustaining severe burns to 80% of her body.
This incident occurred just days after her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics where she placed 44th in Women's marathon.
According to the Kenya Police, Cheptegei's former boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire following a heated argument. The dispute reportedly centered around a plot of land.
Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s gold medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, has condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for justice.
"It’s shocking, devastating, and deeply saddening. This is not the kind of conversation we should be having after the Paris Olympics, where Rebecca competed and performed well," Ajunwa said in an interview with SportBoom.com.
"I can't stop thinking about her, the children she left behind, and her family. It's a huge loss for them," she added.
Cheptegei’s death marks the fourth instance of a female athlete in Kenya being killed by domestic violence in the past three years.
Previous victims include long-distance runner Agnes Tirop, 200- and 400-meter specialist Edith Muthoni, and Damaris Muthee Mutua.
Ajunwa stressed the urgency of addressing this growing trend of violence against women.
We must end this cycle. Prosecution and strict sentencing of offenders are crucial. Women, particularly those excelling in sports, are being targeted and their lives are cut short.
Chioma Ajunwa
In 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported a record 725 women killed in gender-related violence, the highest number since 2015.
"The situation in Kenya, particularly for men, is concerning. People around the world may hesitate to enter relationships with them due to these incidents.
"That said, I advise women to be cautious when choosing a partner, as the government has limited control over personal decisions.
"Some individuals may be motivated by financial gain or other opportunities that come with dating an athlete. No reasonable person would harm, let alone kill, their partner
Ajunwa, now a member of the Nigeria Police Force, has called for increased protection for women in Kenya and across Africa.
"We can't fold our arms and watch women being murdered in their prime. These are young women doing well in the sport and working to take their families out of poverty. We want this to stop across the continent."
“As a former athlete and advocate against gender-based violence, I am deeply outraged. Justice for Rebecca Cheptegei is imperative. We must stand in solidarity with survivors and ensure their voices are heard.”
The incident underscores a pressing need for systemic change to combat domestic violence and protect women across the continent of Africa.
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Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.