The family of the late athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has announced changes to her burial plans due to the condition of her body. Initially, the body was set to be removed from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) mortuary on Thursday, September 12. However, her father, Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, has confirmed that the removal will now occur on Friday.
“We have changed the plans because the body cannot stay two days out of the mortuary before burial,” said Mzee Cheptegei. The adjustment means a planned night vigil for Thursday will no longer take place.
Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan athlete, died after suffering 80 percent burns in a brutal attack by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. Ndiema allegedly doused her with petrol before setting her on fire. He also sustained burn injuries and later died on September 10.
On Wednesday, September 11, Cheptegei’s parents visited the MTRH mortuary to oversee a postmortem examination. The body will briefly stop in Endebes before making a two-hour journey to Bukwo, Uganda, where she will be buried. Cheptegei will receive a military burial, a tribute to her service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), where she held the rank of sergeant.
Cheptegei, born at the Kenya-Uganda border, chose to represent Uganda in her athletic career. Despite a modest finish at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th, she was celebrated as a champion in Uganda for her determination and spirit.
Cheptegei was beloved in her community in Chepkum, a Kenyan village near the border, where she inspired many young athletes, especially in marathon running. Her tragic death has left both the Kenyan and Ugandan communities in mourning.
As the family prepares for her final journey, her father expressed deep sorrow but also gratitude for the support they have received: “Rebecca was a strong and determined soul. We are devastated, but grateful for the love and prayers from those who knew her.”
Rebecca Cheptegei’s funeral will be a sombre event, honouring her contributions both on the track and in her service to the nation.