Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen while attending the burial of murdered Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei said government and community failed her.
“If we come honest, we are guilty as government and also the community” he told mourners in Bukwo, Uganda.
Cheptegei was killed by an estranged hubby at her house in Trans Nzoia County earlier this month.
Relationship between the two had soured before escalating into a tragedy. The man later succumbed at the hospital.
Late Rebecca Cheptegei.
Murkomen said though it was known what Cheptegei was going through, authorities and neighbours turned a blind eye.
“It is not true that we did not know. Even in the local community it was know that Rebecca was facing family Problems. Let’s face it” he said.
Adding; “But because we have become individualistic. We have become every man or woman for himself or her self we ignored the fact that Rebecca was in an abusive relationship and instead of taking her to safe haven we ignored”.
In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death and six months later silver medallist Damaris Mutua was strangled by their respective hubbies.
Agnes Tirop was murdered in 2021.
Murkomen urged parents not to disregard complaints from their daughters facing violence in marriages.
“There is no benefit insisting that for the sake of community and avoiding shame you insist she stays in abusive marriage. Even us Kalenjins let’s open doors in our families for our daughters to come back home if they are facing problems with their husbands” Murkomen advised.
He also raised alarm over some men who posing as coaches have been preying on unsuspecting female athletes.
They befriend then marry them with intentions of stealing their money.
Late silver medalist Damaris Mutua.