Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue in Kenya, claiming countless lives and devastating families. Among the victims are four talented female athletes whose promising futures were cut short by intimate partners they trusted. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for societal and systemic measures to address GBV effectively.
One of the most high-profile cases was that of Agnes Tirop, a celebrated long-distance runner who achieved global acclaim for her athletic prowess. Her life was tragically ended on October 13, 2021, in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, where she was found stabbed multiple times in her neck and abdomen. Tirop had recently broken the women-only 10km world record and was a shining star in athletics. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, was identified as the prime suspect after he confessed to committing “something terrible” before fleeing. Tirop’s untimely death shocked the nation and the world, highlighting the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence.
Rebecca Cheptegei, another remarkable athlete, also fell victim to a heinous act of violence. Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathoner, was killed in Kenya shortly after competing in the Paris Olympic Games. Her ex-boyfriend ambushed her as she returned home from church, dousing her with petrol and setting her ablaze. Cheptegei suffered burns on over 75% of her body and succumbed to her injuries. The incident stemmed from unresolved disputes over a piece of land where she trained and lived, a tragic reminder of the dangers many women face from former partners.
Damaris Muthee Mutua, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, was another young woman whose life was brutally taken. At the age of 28, Mutua’s life came to a tragic end in Iten, Kenya. Her body was discovered in her boyfriend’s house, wrapped in a blanket. Police investigations revealed that her Ethiopian boyfriend, Eskandar Hailemariam, was involved in her death. Allegedly, he lured her to his house before strangling her. After committing the crime, he fled to Ethiopia and informed her family of her death under false pretenses. Despite efforts, he has evaded capture, leaving Mutua’s family and friends without closure.
Edith Muthoni, an athlete and Kenya Wildlife Service scout, also met a tragic fate. Muthoni was killed by her boyfriend, Kennedy Nyamu, following an argument over his phone. The altercation escalated into physical violence, resulting in a fatal head injury. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Muthoni succumbed to her injuries. Investigations revealed a history of domestic conflict between the couple, shedding light on the systemic nature of GBV in intimate relationships.
These cases not only highlight the scale of gender-based violence but also the societal factors that enable it. Fear of retaliation, societal pressures, and lack of trust in law enforcement often deter victims from seeking help. Moreover, many cases go unreported, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that remains hidden in plain sight.
The murders of these talented athletes sparked national outrage, prompting calls for stronger measures to protect women. While some progress has been made, much work remains to be done to address the root causes of GBV. Education and awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of laws, and support systems for survivors are essential to combat this deeply ingrained issue.
Ultimately, the loss of these athletes serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of trust and the devastating impact of gender-based violence. Their stories underscore the urgent need for collective action to ensure that no woman’s life is ever lost to such preventable tragedies again.
