Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated Ugandan marathon runner, tragically passed away after suffering severe burns in an attack allegedly carried out by her former boyfriend.
According to AFP, the 33-year-old athlete, who competed in Paris, was doused in petrol and set on fire last Sunday, as confirmed by Ugandan officials.
Authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, reported that the attack occurred after she returned home from church. A local administrator’s report suggested the assault was related to a land dispute between the athlete and her ex-partner. Police are currently investigating the case.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace,” Uganda’s athletics federation shared in a statement on X.
Dr Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where Cheptegei was receiving treatment, confirmed to local media that she died after her organs failed. Her family has yet to officially confirm her death.
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend, who also sustained burns during the attack, was admitted to the same hospital but with less severe injuries.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, earlier expressed his grief and called for justice, saying, “I pray for justice for my daughter” and describing the event as “the most inhumane act” he had ever witnessed.
This tragedy comes two years after the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, both of whose partners were identified as main suspects.
Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, while authorities are still searching for Mutua’s boyfriend.
Concerns are mounting over the rise in violence against female athletes in Kenya, several of whom have lost their lives.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters on Wednesday reported that Cheptegui was in critical condition after allegedly being burnt by her boyfriend.
Cheptegui suffered burns to over 75% of her body following the attack on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred in Eldoret, Kenya, where Cheptegui owned a house for training purposes.
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