Rebecca Cheptegei, a prominent Ugandan marathon runner who competed in the Paris Olympics, has tragically died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend, Ugandan officials confirmed.
The 33-year-old athlete, who had achieved international recognition, succumbed to her injuries after suffering extensive burns from the attack that took place on Sunday in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.
Dr. Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, reported that Cheptegei passed away due to multi-organ failure resulting from the severe burns she sustained. The incident occurred shortly after Cheptegei returned home from church, as revealed by local authorities.
The attack has been linked to an ongoing dispute between Cheptegei and her former partner over a piece of land. Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom stated that the altercation between the couple escalated when the ex-boyfriend was seen pouring a flammable liquid on Cheptegei before setting her on fire.
The former partner was also admitted to the hospital with less severe burns and remains in intensive care, though his condition is reportedly improving.
The Ugandan athletics federation expressed deep sorrow over Cheptegei’s death, calling it a “cowardly and senseless act” and demanding justice for the athlete.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the federation posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Cheptegei, who was renowned for her achievements in long-distance running, had recently competed in the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the marathon.
Her accolades included winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022. The athlete had moved to Trans Nzoia county in Kenya, purchasing land and building a house to be closer to the country’s many athletic training facilities.
Donald Rukare, the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, praised Cheptegei’s legacy, stating, “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.” Rukare’s statement reflects the deep impact Cheptegei’s death has had on the sports community and beyond.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and called for justice, describing the attack as an unprecedented act of brutality. “I have never seen such an inhumane act in my life,” he said, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
The tragic death of Cheptegei echoes the recent killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, whose partners were identified as the main suspects.
Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, which he denies, while a search for Mutua’s boyfriend continues. These incidents highlight a disturbing trend of violence against female athletes in the region.
There are growing concerns about the safety of female athletes in Kenya and the wider East African region, where cases of violence and abuse continue to make headlines.
The circumstances surrounding Cheptegei’s death underscore the urgent need for greater protection and support for women in sports, as well as a stronger response from authorities to combat domestic violence.
As investigations into Cheptegei’s death continue, the sports community and her fans are left to mourn the loss of a talented and celebrated athlete. Her passing serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for societal change to address and prevent such tragedies.
Cheptegei’s death marks a profound loss for the athletics world and her home country of Uganda. Her contributions to sports and her perseverance in the face of challenges will be remembered by many, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
