Kampala, Uganda – The funeral of Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic runner who tragically died after being set on fire by her partner, will be held on September 14 in her home country, organizers announced on Sunday. The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to severe burns on Thursday, four days after the horrific attack in Kenya.

Cheptegei, who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month, suffered burns over 80% of her body following the assault on her home in western Kenya. The attack was allegedly carried out by her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who is now receiving treatment in a hospital for his own serious burns.

The funeral will take place in Kongasis sub-county, Bukwo district, located in eastern Uganda, about 380 kilometers northeast of the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Bukwo is Cheptegei’s hometown and the location of her family home.

The death of Cheptegei has sparked widespread anger and sorrow, highlighting the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in Kenya. The attack on Cheptegei, a prominent athlete and former sergeant in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, has drawn comparisons to other similar incidents in the region. Kenyan media reported that Cheptegei’s children, aged nine and 11, witnessed the brutal assault.

The City of Paris has announced plans to honor Cheptegei by naming a sports venue after her. Her death has also prompted statements from global figures, including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who described the circumstances as “tragic and unthinkable.”

Coe announced that World Athletics is considering enhancements to its safeguarding policies to better protect female athletes from abuse outside of sport. “Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner who still had a lot to give,” Coe said. “Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic of circumstances.”

The United Nations condemned the “violent murder” of Cheptegei, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasizing that gender-based violence is a serious human rights violation that demands urgent attention. Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen also called for stronger measures to combat gender-based violence, labeling Cheptegei’s death as a “stark reminder” of the need for continued efforts in this area.

Cheptegei’s death marks the third instance of a female athlete being killed by a partner since 2021, further underlining the urgent need for action to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals.