Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, has died after being doused in petrol and set alight by her former boyfriend. The attack occurred in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained. She suffered severe burns and passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret due to organ failure.
Cheptegei was reportedly targeted following a dispute over a piece of land. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. The couple was involved in an altercation outside their home when the ex-boyfriend allegedly poured a flammable liquid on Cheptegei before setting her on fire.
The Ugandan athletics federation expressed deep sadness over Cheptegei’s death, condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice. The head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, Donald Rukare, praised Cheptegei’s legacy, describing the incident as a “cowardly and senseless act.”
Cheptegei’s death highlights a troubling trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya, following the recent killings of athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua. Tirop’s husband is facing murder charges, while Mutua’s case remains under investigation with a search ongoing for her boyfriend.
Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics and won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2022, is remembered for her athletic achievements. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, has called for justice, expressing shock over the brutality of the attack.
