Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died just days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, sustained severe burns in the attack, which took place on Sunday.
Authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, reported that she was attacked after returning home from church with her two daughters. A local administrator indicated that the incident stemmed from a dispute between the athlete and her former partner over land. Police have launched an investigation.
Concerns are growing over rising violence against female athletes in Kenya. Cheptegei is the third athlete to be killed since October 2021. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told journalists outside the hospital that he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and called on the Kenyan government to ensure justice is served.
Dr. Owen Menach, head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, confirmed that Cheptegei had died after all her organs failed. "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 posted on X.
Cheptegei's ex-boyfriend, who also suffered burns but to a lesser extent, remains in intensive care, though his condition is stable, according to Dr. Menach. Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said, "The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."
Originally from a region near the Uganda-Kenya border, Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia county and built a house to be closer to Kenya's athletic training centres. Donald Rukare, head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, posted on X, "This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."
Earlier in the week, her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief, saying, "I pray for justice for my daughter," and adding that he had never witnessed such a cruel act in his life. Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.
Her death follows the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Damaris Mutua in 2022, both of whom were allegedly killed by their partners. Tirop's husband is currently on trial for her murder, while authorities are still searching for Mutua's boyfriend.
Violence against women is a major issue in Kenya. According to a national survey in 2022, 34% of women reported experiencing physical violence. Kenya's Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen commented, "This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports."
