‘Another life lost’: Rebecca Cheptegei’s death highlights violence against sportswomen in Kenya

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We are heartbroken by the tragic murder of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei,” a social media post from Tirop’s Angels said on Thursday. Tirop’s Angels condemns this horrific act and calls for swift justice.” open image in gallery Cheptegei competes in the women's marathon final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023 One of the founders of Tirop’s Angels, Joan Chelimo, told the Reuters news agency that female athletes in the country were at high risk of exploitation and violence by men because of their money and status. “As an athlete and advocate against gender-based violence, I am deeply shaken and outraged by the horrific attack that took the life of Rebecca Cheptegei,” Ms Chelimo said in a post on Instagram. “May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women.” Kenya’s sports minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, said Cheptegei’s death was a loss “to the entire region”.