In Eldoret, female athletes and gender activists have come together for a significant procession to honor the late athlete Rebeca Cheptegei.
This event not only serves as a tribute to Cheptegei but also highlights the ongoing fight against femicide and gender-based violence (GBV), which has recently claimed the lives of several prominent runners.
The procession, organized by the End Femicide Kenya Movement, began at Zion Mall and proceeded to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue.
Here, Cheptegei’s family joined the gathering as her body was prepared for transport to her home in Endebes, Trans Nzoia.
The movement, which advocates that being a woman should not result in a death sentence, has garnered support from human and women’s rights activists.
Female lawyers, including Mercy Rutto, have also joined the cause, expressing concern over the alarming rise in femicide and GBV, particularly affecting female athletes.
Rutto emphasized their commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring their safety, stating, “We will take action to help protect and enforce the rights of women to life, especially athletes.”
The procession underscored the recent tragedies involving athletes like Edith Muthoni, Damaris Mutua, Agnes Tirop, and now Cheptegei.
Cheptegei’s body will be transported to her home in Bukwo, Uganda, where she will receive a military burial with honors from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) on Saturday.
