What's happened
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathon runner, died after being set on fire by her partner in Kenya. The incident occurred shortly after her participation in the Paris Olympics. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced plans to honor her memory by naming a sports facility after her, highlighting the need for societal change regarding violence against women.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries four days after the attack, which was described as a femicide. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized her beauty and strength, stating, 'Paris will not forget her.' The Guardian reported that Cheptegei's death is a significant loss, with Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen calling it a loss to the entire region. The Independent highlighted the alarming statistics of violence against women in Kenya, noting that every 11 minutes, a woman is killed by an intimate partner globally. This coverage collectively illustrates the urgent need for societal change and the importance of honoring Cheptegei's legacy.
How we got here
Cheptegei, 33, was attacked on August 31, suffering severe burns. This incident marks the third killing of a prominent female athlete in Kenya since October 2021, raising concerns about violence against women in the region.
More on these topics
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Ana María "Anne" Hidalgo Aleu is a Spanish-French politician serving as Mayor of Paris since 2014. She is the first woman to hold the office.
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Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,150,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres.
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Rebecca Cheptegei is a Ugandan long distance and marathon athlete. She represented Uganda in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in the women's marathon.