Ugandan Rebecca Cheptegei was killed by her ex-boyfriend. She was set on fire. These acts of domestic violence and violence against women are too common. Cheptegei was buried with military honors. She was a former service member. She leaves behind her children. The Ugandan government has stated it will provide funds to her family. The details surrounding the murder demonstrates the inadequacy of law enforcement. Rebecca Cheptegei approached police three times about the threats to her life. Uganda and Kenya are experiencing a surge in violence directed at women. Police either do not care or ignore alerts. Law enforcement is never held accountable for failure or inefficiency. Female athletes could be targets of violent men who do not like strong women. Then exploitation and violence could be related to economic conditions. Men may target female athletes drawn to their higher incomes. The desire to control them would be a means of attain more money than what local employment could provide. Kenya and Uganda still struggle to reach a higher level of economic development. So far, new legislation has not been introduced to counter the murders of women. A consistent pattern has emerged. Rebecca Cheptegei was only 33 years old. A life was cut short, when there was so much more to accomplish. The murder is not just effecting Uganda and Kenya. Across the African continent a new concern about women's safety has emerged.
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