33-year-old Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei, has died after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend on Sunday, September 1, in a property dispute, according to Kenyan police.
Cheptegei was rushed to a hospital in Kenya after sustaining severe burns covering 75% of her body as per a Sky News report.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that the incident occurred after a disagreement between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, over a piece of land.
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Ndiema also sustained burn injuries and was admitted to the same hospital, but his situation was not as severe as that of the Ugandan Olympian.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed Cheptegei’s death on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
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— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION???? UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE
Donald Rukare, chief of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, also expressed his condolences, and said, “May her gentle soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
Dr. Owen Menach, the acting director of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where Cheptegei was treated, confirmed her death on Wednesday night. “We lost her after all her organs failed,” he said.
Cheptegei’s parents told Kenyan news outlet The Star, that their daughter had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to Kenya’s many athletic training centers.
A local chief’s report also indicated that the couple had been heard arguing over the land where their house was built shortly before the fire started.
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The tragic death of Cheptegei, one of Uganda’s finest athletes, has left the athletics community and her nation grieving, with many now demanding justice in the wake of the brutal attack.
