By Zipporah Musau
Viola Cheptoo started a foundation to create awareness and support GBV survivors. They visit schools, youth training camps, and churches, educating young girls on the red flags to watch out for and stressing the importance of speaking out against violence.
Viola Cheptoo, a celebrated long-distance runner from Kenya with numerous victories, was deeply affected by the murder of her close friend and fellow athlete Agnes Tirop, just days after setting a world record in 2021. Agnes was stabbed at her home in Iten town in western Kenya and her husband was arrested for the murder. She was only 25 years old.
The following year, another athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua, was found strangled at her boyfriend’s house in the same training town, Iten.
In response, Viola, along with other female athletes and friends, founded the Tirop’s Angels foundation to help combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The recent death of Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who suffered a similar fate, further fueled Viola’s determination to fight for justice and protect women and girls from violence.
Upon her return from the 2024 Olympic games in Paris, police say Cheptegei was doused in petrol and burned by her boyfriend in Kinyoro, Trans Nzoia in Kenya where she trains. Days later, she passed away.
For Viola, this news stirred painful memories of her close friend Agnes Tirop.
This story was originally published by Africa Renewal.
