Social media calls out 'femicide problem' after Uganda's Rebecca Cheptegei was allegedly burned to death by boyfriend

Following the horrific death of Rebecca Cheptegei at the hands of her boyfriend, who allegedly soaked her in gasoline and set her on fire just one month after she represented Uganda at the Paris Games, social media is erupting with outrage over the country's escalating femicide crisis.

Sports executive, Usher Komugisha took to X to voice her thoughts on the tragic incident:

Domestic violence has no place in society and for top female athletes, it is becoming increasingly fatal especially with jealous partners.

Rebecca Cheptegei (Uganda 🇺🇬) now joins two Kenyans Agnes Tirop (2021) and Damaris Mutua (2022) who were killed by partners in Iten, Kenya. pic.twitter.com/rs10Ac2tND
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) September 5, 2024

Larry Madowo, an international correspondent for CNN spoke with a CNN newscaster live on location:

Rebecca Cheptegei - Burned
Agnes Tirop - Stabbed
Damaris Mutua - Strangled

All female athletes killed in the last 3 years whose husbands or boyfriends are suspects. Kenya has a femicide problem pic.twitter.com/w5lQLA1OPy
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) September 5, 2024

The Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement condemning domestic violence and calling for justice:

BREAKING NEWS💔💔
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE
— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024

Louise Ridley, the editorial director of The Female Lead, shared some powerful words:

No matter how much you achieve as a woman, you’re always one bad boyfriend away from being violently killed. RIP #RebeccaCheptegei pic.twitter.com/0UKcTMSAVz
— Louise Ridley is also on Threads @louiseridley (@LouiseRidley) September 5, 2024

Dr. Charlotte Proudman, undoubtedly voicing the frustration of many women across the world:

Not satisfied with stealing a woman’s vocation and life, he had to make her suffer in sheer pain and terror. I can’t imagine what Rebecca Cheptegei went through when she was doused in petrol and set alight.
What a time to be a woman. pic.twitter.com/nuodRtLXt4
— Dr Charlotte Proudman (@DrProudman) September 5, 2024