Tragic death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei in violent attack sparks outcry
Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, has tragically passed away after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend in north-west Kenya. The athlete, who competed in the Paris Olympics and won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, suffered severe burns in the attack and succumbed to organ failure after being hospitalized.
The incident occurred after Cheptegei returned home from church, with reports suggesting a land dispute between the athlete and her former partner as a possible motive.
Police are investigating, and her ex-boyfriend, also hospitalized with burns, remains in intensive care but is reportedly stable.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his daughter, calling for justice and condemning the act of violence.
Uganda’s athletics federation and Olympic committee mourned her death, condemning the attack and remembering Cheptegei’s contributions to the sport.
This incident highlights a troubling pattern of violence against female athletes in East Africa, with recent similar cases involving the murders of Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua.
Local authorities continue their investigation into Cheptegei’s death as the sports community mourns her loss.
