Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away following a horrific attack by her ex-boyfriend. The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete succumbed to her injuries days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former partner.
Cheptegei, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns in the attack that occurred on Sunday. She had returned home from church with her two young daughters when the incident took place in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.
According to local authorities, the attack was reportedly linked to an ongoing dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend over a piece of land. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his profound grief, describing his daughter as a “very supportive” person. Fellow Ugandan athlete James Kirwa remembered her as a generous and supportive figure, noting her financial assistance to fellow runners.
Dr. Kimani Mbugua from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret confirmed that despite extensive medical efforts, Cheptegei’s injuries were too severe, leading to multi-organ failure and her death early this morning at 05:30 local time.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about gender-based violence in Kenya. In 2022, a national survey revealed that 34% of women in Kenya reported experiencing physical violence.
Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen called the incident a “stark reminder” of the urgent need to address gender-based violence. He echoed calls for justice as Cheptegei’s father urged the Kenyan government to ensure that her attacker is held accountable.
Cheptegei’s former boyfriend, who also suffered burns in the incident, remains in intensive care but is reportedly stable, according to Dr. Owen Menach of Moi Hospital.
The tragedy has resonated deeply within the athletics community. Uganda’s athletics federation condemned the act of violence and called for justice, while British Olympian Eilish McColgan expressed sorrow over the loss of another female athlete to domestic violence.
Cheptegei’s death is a devastating loss to the sports world and a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat domestic violence.
