OBITUARY

Slain Ugandan Olympian buried with full military honours

Published

3 weeks ago

September 14, 2024

Family members mourn and react next to the coffin of the slain Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after her former boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her ablaze, at the Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital (MTRH) funeral home, in Eldoret, Kenya September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Edwin Waita

Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after allegedly being doused in petrol and set alight by her former partner, was due to be buried on Saturday with full military honours.

Cheptegei returned to her home in the highlands of western Kenya, an area popular with international runners for its high altitude training facilities, after coming 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics on August 11.

It would be her final race.

Three weeks later her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly attacked Cheptegei as she returned from church with her two daughters and younger sister in the village of Kinyoro, Kenya police and her family said.

Her father Joseph Cheptegei told Reuters that his daughter had approached police at least three times to file complaints against Marangach, most recently on Aug. 30, two days before the alleged attack by her former partner.

She suffered burns to 80% of her body and succumbed to her injuries four days later.

“I don’t think I am going to make it,” she told her father while being treated in hospital, he said.

“If I die, just bury me at home in Uganda.”

Cheptegei’s tragic death sparked anger over the high levels of violence against women in Kenya, particularly in the athletics community, with the marathoner becoming the third elite runner to allegedly die at the hands of a romantic partner since 2021.

One in three Kenyan girls or women aged 15-49 have suffered physical violence, according to government data from 2022.

Rights groups say female athletes in Kenya are at a high risk of exploitation and violence by men drawn to their prize money, which far exceeds local incomes.

Cheptegei’s sporting successes include winning the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand, and a year later earning first place in the Padova Marathon in Italy and setting a national record for the marathon.

Born in eastern Uganda in 1991, she met Marangach during a training visit to Kenya, later moving to the country to pursue her dream of becoming an elite runner.

Marangach died a few days after Cheptegei, from burns allegedly sustained during the attack, dividing opinion among the local running community.

“Justice really would have been for him to sit in jail and think about what he had done,” said marathoner Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, a support group for athletes facing domestic violence in Kenya.

The circumstances of Cheptegei’s death shocked the world, but her name may yet inspire future athletes, with the French capital planning to name a sports facility in her honour.

“She dazzled us here in Paris. We saw her. Her beauty, her strength, her freedom,” the city’s mayor Anne Hidalgo told reporters. “Paris will not forget her.”

-Reuters

OBITUARY

Doyen of Morocco sports journalism, Belaid Bouimid is dead

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Late Belaïd Bouimid

Moroccan Journalist, great expert on sports, poet with a sharp pen and above all a precursor of press cartoons in Morocco, Belaïd Bouimid passed away on Monday.

According to Moroccan publication, 360 Sport, Bouimid passed on after a long and courageous fight against illness. He was 75 years old.

He was reportedly admitted to at a clinic in Casablanca where he underwent yet another surgical operation after his health deteriorated. Belaïd Bouimid was used to getting back up. But not this time. The dean of Moroccan journalists, a true big brother to all sports journalists in the country, he passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the age of 75.

Throughout his career, he distinguished himself not only through his expertise and love for sports but also through his intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

He was not just a journalist but a deeply cultured man, attuned to the evolving artistic, literary, and cultural landscapes. His sports analyses were often enriched with cultural references, giving him a unique and original perspective.

His humanity, sharp mind, and insightful view of the world inspired many generations, whether in the editorial offices or the artistic circles he cherished so much.

OBITUARY

Former AIPS-Africa president, Mitchell Obi mourns the dean of Moroccan journalists

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Late Belaid Bouimid

“Really sad. ” That was the first reaction of Mitchell Obi, the immediate past president of continental sports writing body, AIPS-Africa, after learning of the passage of Belaid Bouimid, the dean of sports journalists in Morocco.

Continuing, Obi remarked: “The exit of a reliable and splendid voice. Unforgettable times with a friend who gave his utmost to lift the African sporting press.

“Belaid was brilliant in his communication style and he created laughter from nothing. Simple, self effacing but deeply functional.

“He remains my President and Africa will cherish the sterling contributions of one who truly launched AIPS Africa from its heritage of ASJU.

“A companion for all seasons, my tearful heart goes to the family and friends in Casablanca, Morocco and beyond.

All that goes returns. Rest well Belaid Boumid … you left us with plenty to remember you by.”

OBITUARY

Lagos sports writers mourn Adeyinka Adebayo

Published

3 weeks ago

September 19, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Adeyinka Adebayo

The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of its members, Adeyinka Adebayo. Until his death on Tuesday, he was the head of sports desk at Eko FM/Radio Lagos.

He was also a director at the Lagos State Ministry of Information. Sports writers in Lagos State have continued to mourn and celebrate Adebayo for his professionalism, commitment, and contributions to the growth of sports journalism in the state.

Debo Oshundun, the Chairman, Lagos SWAN, expressed deep sorrow. “I am devastated. ‘Yinka was among my greatest supporters and confidants. He was very close to me, and his passing has left me deeply saddened.

“I called him ‘Woli Agba.’ I am lost for words in describing what his death means to me personally and Lagos SWAN as an organisation,” Oshundun remarked.

According to him, the late Adebayo was a multifaceted individual who left a lasting impact on Lagos SWAN members as a mentor, friend and colleague. “He believes his legacy of dedication and kindness will continue to resonate within the sports writing fraternity and ensure his memory endures.”

Dapo Sotuminu, former Group Sports Editor of Compass Newspapers, remarked: “Apostle Yinka Adebayo, may your soul rest in perfect peace. May the good Lord take care of the children you left behind. A good guy just left us” .

Ace broadcaster and CEO of AfroSports, Deji Omotoyinbo commented in similar fashion. “Terrible news A real gentleman. Rest in peace Yinka.”

Former Lagos SWAN Chairman and Sports Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Tony Ubani wrote, “Yinka is, without doubt, the definition of a gentleman I have met. He was compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile. God has called him back to his Kingdom, where there is no pain or cry. Rest in peace, my man of God, as I usually called him.”

Another respected member of Lagos SWAN and current Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, remarked that Adebayo was too young to die!

Condolence messages have continued to pour in from members as well as heartfelt condolences to the family and friends for the strength to bear this irreparable loss while they pray for his soul to rest in perfect peace.