By Antynet Ford
Late Ugandan Marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei will be laid to rest on September 14, in Uganda.
Cheptegei died last week Thursday after being doused by her boyfriend at her Trans Nzoia home.
“The burial date of Rebecca Cheptegei has been set for September 14, in Kongasis Sub County in Bukwo district, eastern Uganda,” Beatrice Ayikoru, the Secretary General of the Uganda Olympic Committee and a member of the funeral organizing committee told AFP.
Benjamin Njia, Vice President of the Uganda Athletics Federation, announced on Sunday that further funeral details would be shared soon.
“As we mourn our national champion, the family has settled on Saturday as the burial date, but we are still waiting for the finer details, both from the government and the family.” Njia said.
Given Cheptegei’s role as an officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, it is anticipated that the government will oversee the funeral proceedings.
Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who allegedly carried out the attack, sustained burns to 30 per cent of his body and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Her untimely death has sparked outrage, with many viewing it as another alarming case of gender-based violence in Kenya.
Leaders from the Sabaot community, which spans both Kenya and Uganda, expressed their sorrow and called for justice. Pius Arap Kauka, spokesperson for the Sabaot Council of Elders, condemned the attack during a meeting in Kitale.
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The elders urged the Kenyan authorities to ensure justice is served and criticized local police for failing to act on earlier warnings.
