Women MPs urge action on domestic violence after Ugandan athlete’s death

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to set up a special programme to tackle the growing problem of domestic violence, especially among intimate partners.

This appeal comes after the tragic death of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who died on Wednesday night after being set on fire by her Kenyan partner.

During a press conference at Parliament Buildings, Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba condemned the brutal killing and appealed to Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, to act swiftly.

"I call upon CS Kithure Kindiki to deal with this issue under the special programme. These repeated tragedies make it painfully clear that we are failing to protect our women, and this must stop," she said.

Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu Muthama supported and encouraged the government to take action to protect women from such violence.

"If you are fed up with women, leave us alone; let the women live because they have a future," she stated.

KEWOPA further reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for women's rights.

"As we continue to uphold the 𝐷𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑚 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒, we will not get tired in executing our mandate to legislate and oversee laws and policies that address the root causes of gender-based violence," Kavindu added.

Cheptegei's death has highlighted a troubling rise in violence against women athletes in Kenya and East Africa.

She was admitted to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Eldoret on Sunday but passed away on Wednesday night.

Dickson Ndiema Marangach, Cheptegei's partner, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire during the fire attack, causing her to succumb to burn injuries.

Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei. (Photo: Handout)

Doctors at the referral hospital had classified Cheptegei's condition as critical because she had sustained 80 per cent burns.

Her family described her as a humble athlete who avoided controversy and was always willing to help her colleagues and loved ones.

Her mother, Agnes Cheptegei, said her daughter never sought conflict with anyone.

"She was my daughter who said little but was so concerned about the welfare of everyone. She was so good, and I have lost my pillar in life," she said.

Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete's father, said the family has not only lost a beloved daughter but also a breadwinner.

Terming the loss painful, a visibly distraught Cheptegei said the family had depended on her, especially for supporting her younger siblings' education.

"I've lost a daughter who has been helping in many ways. We have children in secondary schools, and I don't know how we are going to cope with this challenge to ensure they complete their studies," he added.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen mourned the Women Marathon Record holder, saying her death is a loss to the entire East African region.

Murkomen stated that her passing also serves as a reminder to intensify efforts to end gender-based violence (GBV).

The CS promised that the Kenyan government is committed to ensuring justice for Rebecca, adding that no one should ever have to go through what she did.

"This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles," the CS said.

"As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal."