Ugandan athlete who was ‘set on fire by boyfriend’ is dead

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend, according to a Ugandan official.

The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who had competed in Paris, sustained severe burns from the attack on Sunday, as confirmed by the doctor treating her.

Authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, reported that she was attacked after returning home from church.

A local administrator’s report indicated that the athlete and her ex-partner had been in a dispute over a piece of land. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

There are growing concerns about the rising cases of violence against female athletes in Kenya, some of which have tragically ended in death.

“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 said in a post on X.

The family has yet to confirm her death, but Dr. Owen Menach, head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where Rebecca Cheptegei had been admitted, informed local media that the athlete passed away after suffering complete organ failure.

Cheptegei’s former boyfriend, who was also admitted to the hospital, sustained less severe burns.

Earlier in the week, her father, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke to reporters, expressing his sorrow and saying, “I pray for justice for my daughter,” adding that he had never witnessed such a cruel act in his life.

Her tragic death follows the murders of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua two years ago, with authorities identifying their partners as the primary suspects. Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, which he denies, while the search for Mutua’s boyfriend is ongoing.