Four women runners brutally killed in Kenya: ‘It's no longer safe for any athlete'

Rebecca Cheptegei, a passionate chicken farmer, tragically lost her life in a violent attack by her estranged partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. Known for her remarkable achievements in athletics, Cheptegei had recently found success in the World Mountain Running Championships and Florence Marathon, which enabled her to build a new home in Kenya's Kinyoro village.

On September 1, Cheptegei’s life took a tragic turn when Marangach, hiding in her chicken coop, attacked her, dousing her with petrol and setting her alight. Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries four days later. Marangach died from his own burns a few days after.

The incident has highlighted growing concerns over gender-based violence in Kenyan athletics, particularly the exploitation and victimization female athletes face. Other cases of femicide involving female athletes, such as Damaris Muthee Mutua, Edith Muthoni, and Agnes Tirop, show a disturbing pattern of financial disputes leading to violence.

Athletics is a major financial escape route for many Kenyan women from impoverished backgrounds. However, this financial success often attracts controlling partners who manipulate and exploit these athletes. There is a prevalent issue of control, where men, often posing as coaches or partners, exploit these athletes financially and emotionally.

The families of the victims, alongside fellow athletes and coaches, have been working to combat these issues by establishing support systems like counselling and safe havens for victims. New policies and initiatives aim to curtail gender-based violence, but systemic issues remain.

Efforts to protect female athletes involve campaigns against the exploitation and manipulation they face, with initiatives to educate athletes on personal finances and safeguarding. The Athletics Integrity Unit is working on enhancing programs and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with criticisms of policing standards and judicial processes allowing many accused abusers to evade justice or receive lenient treatment. The hope is that these ongoing efforts will bring about change and protect future generations of female athletes from similar fates.