Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns from the attack on Sunday. Cheptegei was targeted after returning home from church in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.
Authorities reported that the attack was linked to an ongoing dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-partner over a piece of land. Police are conducting an investigation into the incident.
This case raises concerns about the rising violence against female athletes in Kenya.
Cheptegei is the third athlete to have died since October 2021.
Outside the hospital where Cheptegei was treated, her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief, describing his daughter as “very supportive” and calling on the Kenyan government to ensure justice is served.
Dr. Owen Menach, head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, confirmed that Cheptegei died due to multiple organ failures.
Uganda’s athletics federation condemned the violence, stating, “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.”
Cheptegei’s former boyfriend, who also suffered burns, remains in intensive care but is reported to be in a stable condition.
According to local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the altercation began with a quarrel, during which the boyfriend poured a liquid on Cheptegei before setting her on fire.
