Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei tragically passed away just days after being attacked by her ex-boyfriend, who set her on fire using petrol.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathoner who had competed in the recent Paris Olympics, suffered extensive burns following the assault on Sunday.
After attending church with her two daughters, Cheptegei was assaulted in north-west Kenya, where she had been living and training.
Joseph Cheptegei, her father, mourned the loss of his “very supportive” daughter. Her compatriot, James Kirwa, highlighted her kindness, noting her financial support to other athletes.
Local authorities reported a dispute between Cheptegei and her former partner over property ownership. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Originally from Uganda, Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, to be closer to premier athletic training facilities.
The prevalence of violence against women in Kenya is alarming – a 2022 survey indicated that 34% of women had experienced physical violence.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports,” said Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen.
The United Nations has actively spoken out against this violent act. “We join the UN Population Fund and UN Women in strongly condemning Cheptegei’s violent murder,” stated Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general.
Speaking to journalists outside the hospital where she had received treatment, Mr. Cheptegei urged the Kenyan government to ensure justice for his daughter’s death.
“We have lost our breadwinner,” he added, and wondered how her two young children would “continue with their education.”
Dr. Kimani Mbugua, from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, reported that despite their efforts, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries due to multi-organ failure.
James Kirwa, who trained with Cheptegei and visited her in the hospital, said she “was a very affable person. She helped us all, even financially, and brought me training shoes when she returned from the Olympics. She was like an older sister to me.”
Uganda’s athletics federation said in a post on X: “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.”
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend also received treatment for burns in Eldoret and is currently in stable condition.
Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom detailed that the couple had been arguing prior to the attack, during which the boyfriend was seen dousing Cheptegei with a flammable liquid and igniting it.
Donald Rukare, head of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, condemned the heinous act and vowed to honor Cheptegei’s legacy.
Earlier in the week, her father expressed his hope for justice and decried the brutality of the attack.
Cheptegei placed 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and was a gold medalist at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai in 2022.
