Gender-based violence exists in every society globally and takes many forms. In sports, it can be concealed behind the achievements and fame of athletes or displayed openly without shame.
By Tuka Letura
In October 2021, Kenyan long-distance runner and 2015 World Cross Country champion, Agnes Tirop, was tragically found dead in her home in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County in Kenya. Authorities discovered she had suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck and abdomen, leading them to believe that a domestic altercation had occurred.
Her husband, who had gone missing after Tirop’s death and called his family in tears, asking for God’s forgiveness for something he had done, was eventually arrested following a high-speed chase. Despite the seriousness of the case, in 2023, he was released on bail, sparking further outrage and questions about justice for Tirop’s tragic death.
However, Tirop’s case was just one of many that Kenya would come to face.
Seven months later, in April 2022, another tragedy struck when 28-year-old Damaris Muthee Mutua, a Kenyan-born athlete competing for Bahrain in long-distance races, was found dead. Police began searching for her Ethiopian boyfriend, who was the prime suspect in her death. According to Keiyo North Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer, Andalo Munga, Mutua died due to strangulation, leading to asphyxiation. A post-mortem, conducted by a team of pathologists, also included a toxicology analysis to determine if any chemicals had been administered.
Now, in September 2024, Ugandan Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, has tragically become the latest victim of domestic violence in Kenya. Her ex-boyfriend reportedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire, causing severe burns that ultimately led to her death due to multiple organ failure.
Gender-based violence (GBV) exists in every society globally and takes many forms. In sports, it can be concealed behind the achievements and fame of athletes or displayed openly without shame. Often, it mirrors the broader societal norms—what is accepted and what is considered normal behaviour. This dynamic creates an environment where violence against women can either be overlooked or tolerated, contributing to a cycle of abuse.
Condoning and coddling gender-based violence has a two-pronged impact, affecting not only the direct victims but also shaping how abuse is perceived and handled in the broader context. The direct impact is painfully clear—physical, emotional, and psychological harm to the individual.
These first-hand victims face the immediate consequences, from enduring trauma to losing their sporting careers, or even their lives, as seen in the tragic cases of Agnes Tirop, Damaris Muthee Mutua, and Rebecca Cheptegei. Yet, the indirect impact is equally damaging, as it fosters a culture where abuse becomes normalised within the sports community. This normalisation silences victims, emboldens perpetrators, and perpetuates a cycle of violence that continues unchecked.
Breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in sports requires a holistic approach that recognises both the direct and indirect impacts of abuse. Focusing solely on addressing the immediate harm—such as providing support to the victims or punishing the perpetrators—without tackling the underlying culture that enables it to persist is insufficient.
While it is essential to offer justice and aid to those directly affected, true, lasting change can only be achieved by transforming the broader environment that tolerates, normalises, or ignores abuse.
Real change demands a cultural shift in how gender-based violence is perceived and handled across all levels of sports. This means moving beyond reactive measures and adopting proactive strategies to prevent abuse from occurring in the first place.
Sports organisations, federations, and governing bodies must implement strict policies that not only address instances of gender-based violence but also create environments where abuse is less likely to thrive. This includes developing transparent reporting systems, promoting zero-tolerance policies, and holding all stakeholders accountable for their actions. Life imprisonment for homicides and the same or at least a minimum of a 14-year sentence depending on the severity of the offence should also be considered under the auspices of the law as is the case in places like the USA and parts of Europe. Registration into an offenders list needs to equally be adopted.
When a crime is properly recognised and punished, it serves as a deterrent, discouraging future offences and significantly reducing its occurrence, often to the point of near elimination. According to the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, 34 percent of Kenyan women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 13 percent have faced sexual violence at some point in their lives. These alarming statistics reflect the widespread nature of gender-based violence in the country. In 2021 alone, there were 8,149 reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kenya, with 92 percent of the victims being female and only 8 percent male.
It is also important to note that the situation in Kenya is not unique; similar patterns of gender-based violence are observed across other nations on the continent. The high prevalence of GBV reflects poorly on any nation and on the continent as a whole. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for action.
To effectively reduce the frequency of these offences and protect the well-being of women, both in sports and in daily life, it is crucial to implement stringent measures and enforce appropriate punishments for perpetrators. Addressing gender-based violence comprehensively is essential to ensuring the safety and dignity of women not just in sports but everywhere.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.