Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei died in a Kenyan hospital on Sunday after suffering burns to 80 percent of her body after being attacked by her partner.
Cheptegei, 33, has been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Spokesman Owen Menach confirmed her death Thursday.
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, posted on May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This is a cowardly and foolish act that has led to the loss of a great athlete whose legacy will live on.
Cheptegei’s partner, Dixon Ndima, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and then set her on fire, Trans Nzoia County police chief Jeremy Ole Kosim said on Monday. “The couple were heard arguing outside the house. During the argument, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman, which then burned her. “The suspect was also burned by the fire and suffered serious burns. “Ndima and Cheptegei are receiving treatment at the same hospital.
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Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans-Nzoia to be close to the country’s many sports training centres. A report filed by the local police chief said the couple was heard fighting over land to build the house before the fire.
Cheptegei finished 44th at the Paris Olympic Marathon last month and 14th at last year’s World Championships in Budapest. In 2022, she won the mountain race championship at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
