Confronting the Silent Crisis: Gender-Based Violence Against Women Athletes in Kenya

Kenya’s elite female athletes have tragically become symbols of a deeper crisis within the nation’s sports system. The recent murders of these athletes, including Agnes Tirop, Edna Muthoni, Damaris Muthee Mutua, and Rebecca Cheptegei, are stark reminders of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV). These cases not only highlight the failure of the justice system but also reveal a broader network of exploitation and abuse within the sports industry.

The Tragic Loss of Talented Athletes

Kenya’s athletic landscape has been marred by the loss of several promising female athletes under horrific circumstances. The intimate partner relationships (IPR) that these athletes were involved in have, shockingly, turned into sources of severe violence and exploitation:

• Agnes Tirop, a renowned long-distance runner, was brutally stabbed and clobbered to death by her partner in 2021.
• Edna Muthoni suffered a similarly brutal fate, having her throat slit by a machete, also at the hands of her partner, in 2021.
• Damaris Muthee Mutua was strangled by her partner in 2022.
• Rebecca Cheptegei was torched by her partner in September 2024 and succumbed to her injuries on 5th September 2024.

These tragic incidents illustrate a disturbing pattern where intimate partner relationships (IPR) have become a source of violence rather than support. The lack of justice, with none of the perpetrators jailed, underscores a profound failure in holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for the victims. This crisis not only highlights the need for immediate legal redress but also calls for a deeper examination of how these relationships contribute to the vulnerability and exploitation of female athletes.

Systemic Vulnerabilities and Exploitation

Beyond these tragic deaths, investigations conducted on behalf of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Kenya (AK) have revealed disturbing conditions and exploitative practices within some athlete training camps in Kenya. Female athletes face shocking levels of control and manipulation, which severely impact their mental health and overall well-being:

• Forced and Negotiated Abortions: Female athletes are coerced into undergoing abortions, often under duress or as a prerequisite for participating in major events. The emotional and psychological trauma caused by such coercion leaves lasting scars on the athletes.
• Control of Menstrual Cycles: Menstrual cycles are manipulated to ensure peak performance before major events, prioritizing competition over the athletes’ health and autonomy. The violation of their bodily autonomy can lead to a sense of powerlessness and mental distress.
• Falsification of Medical Documents: The altering of medical records to suit competitive needs compromises not only the athletes’ physical health but also erodes their trust in the systems meant to protect them, contributing to anxiety and mental exhaustion.
• Financial Blackmail and Sex for Selection: Athletes face financial blackmail, and some are forced into providing sexual favors in exchange for selection to teams or entry into elite meets. The psychological toll of this exploitation can lead to depression, feelings of worthlessness, and long-term mental health issues.

These abusive practices reflect an alarming level of exploitation by foreign-based managers and camp operators, who control access to elite opportunities through corrupt and financially exploitative networks. Such systemic abuses not only strip female athletes of their rights but also severely impacts their mental health, pushing them into cycles of trauma, stress, and emotional exhaustion. The oppressive nature of these camps erodes their self-worth, leaving them vulnerable, isolated, and mentally drained as they are often controlled by a network of managers who engage in financial exploitation and corrupt practices.

The Power Imbalance and Unregulated Environment

The power dynamics are stark. Many young female athletes, often with limited education and isolated in training camps, face extreme vulnerability. The freedom they seek often comes at the cost of their safety, subjected to predatory behavior and financial exploitation.

In contrast to Kenya’s lax regulatory environment, countries like Ethiopia impose strict controls on foreign managers and camps. The Kenyan Sports Registrar is mandated to register camps and agents, yet the office lacks the resources and authority to enforce its mandate effectively, leaving the system open to abuse.

The Call for Comprehensive Action

While immediate justice for the victims is crucial, addressing the systemic issues is equally important. As a nation, we must advocate for:

1. Educational and Support Programs: Provide educational programs for athletes about their rights and protections, and create supportive environments free from exploitation.
2. Stricter Regulations and Oversight: Implement strict regulations for managing camps and agents, ensuring that foreign operators are held accountable.
3. Robust Legal Reforms: Push for legal reforms to hold perpetrators of GBV accountable and improve mechanisms for protecting athletes.
4. Increased Public Awareness: Raise awareness about the systemic issues in Kenyan athletics and advocate for comprehensive reforms to address them.

Conclusion

The loss of these exceptional athletes is a somber reminder of the urgent need for systemic change. As we continue to seek justice for the fallen, we must also address the root causes of gender-based violence and exploitation in sports. By tackling these issues head-on, we can create a safer and more equitable environment for all young women pursuing their dreams.

At CELSIR, we remain committed to advocating for the rights and safety of individuals and pushing for reforms that prevent such tragedies. The path to justice must be accompanied by a concerted effort to address the broader social and systemic issues that perpetuate violence and exploitation.

Article written by:

Anne Munyua

Founder and CEO,

CELSIR