Main content

Why is gender based violence so prevalent amongst women athletes?

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was killed after being doused in petrol and set alight by her ex-boyfriend shortly after she returned from competing in the Paris Olympics

Rebecca Cheptegei had just returned to her training base in Kenya from Paris, where she had competed in the women鈥檚 marathon at the Olympics.

The following Sunday she and her two daughters aged 11 and 9 arrived home from a church service.

Her ex-boyfriend was waiting at her home with a jerry can of petrol. He poured it on Rebecca and set her on fire as her children watched.

She died four days later.

Two other elite female athletes have died under similar circumstances in recent years in Kenya, with their male partners facing charges.

Alan Kasujja speaks to one of the first people Rebecca鈥檚 children called, Caroline Atieno the pastor of God鈥檚 Dwelling Ministry Kiungani. He also speaks to Kenya鈥檚 former Sports Minister Professor Hellen Sambili about her concerns for the wellbeing of female athletes.

Release date:

Available now

17 minutes

Podcast