Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, has died after being set on fire by a former boyfriend. Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries days after the brutal attack, which occurred in northwest Kenya where she lived and trained.
Cheptegei suffered extensive burns after her ex-boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The incident took place on a Sunday, just as she returned home from church. Authorities in Kenya have reported that the attack may have stemmed from a dispute over a piece of land that the two had been wrangling over. Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom, speaking to the media, confirmed that the couple was heard arguing outside their house before the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on Cheptegei and setting her ablaze.
The Ugandan athlete was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she fought for her life for several days. However, Dr. Owen Menach, the head of the hospital, reported that Cheptegei died after all her organs failed. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” Uganda’s Athletics Federation said in a statement on social media. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cheptegei’s death has sent shockwaves through the athletic community and has reignited concerns about the growing number of violent attacks on female athletes in East Africa. In recent years, several female athletes in Kenya have been killed under similar circumstances, often involving domestic violence or disputes with partners. Cheptegei’s tragic passing is the latest in a series of similar incidents, which have prompted calls for greater protection and justice for female athletes.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and frustration outside the hospital where his daughter had been treated. He described her as a “very supportive” daughter and called on the Kenyan government to ensure that justice is served. “I pray for justice for my daughter,” he said, adding that he had never witnessed such a cruel and inhumane act in his life.
Rebecca Cheptegei had achieved significant milestones in her athletic career. She recently finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, showcasing her determination and resilience on a global stage. In 2022, she won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, further cementing her status as one of East Africa’s prominent long-distance runners.
The tragic death of Cheptegei comes just two years after the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, whose partners were identified as the main suspects in both cases. Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, which he denies, while authorities are still searching for Mutua’s boyfriend. These incidents have cast a shadow over the athletic community, highlighting the urgent need for measures to protect athletes from gender-based violence.
Rebecca Cheptegei, originally from Uganda, had chosen to live in Trans Nzoia County in Kenya, near the country’s renowned athletic training centers. She had purchased land and built a house in the area to benefit from the region’s high-altitude conditions and its reputation for producing world-class athletes. Cheptegei was known for her dedication and commitment to her sport, and her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many who knew her and admired her achievements.
The suspect, Cheptegei’s former boyfriend, was also admitted to the same hospital with burns, though his injuries were less severe. He remains in intensive care, but his condition is reported to be “improving and stable,” according to Dr. Menach. The police have initiated a formal investigation into the incident, and calls for justice continue to echo throughout Uganda and Kenya.
Donald Rukare, head of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, took to social media to condemn the attack and honor Cheptegei’s memory. “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” Rukare said, echoing the sentiments of many who have expressed their outrage and grief over the incident.
The loss of Rebecca Cheptegei has also led to renewed discussions around gender-based violence, particularly against women in sports. As her family, friends, and fellow athletes mourn her untimely passing, there is a growing call for stronger measures to protect female athletes from violence and to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
Cheptegei’s death serves as a grim reminder of the violence that many female athletes face, even as they strive to represent their countries on the world stage. As the world pays tribute to her achievements and mourns her loss, there is a collective demand for justice and accountability. Her passing, like that of other female athletes before her, underscores the need for systemic changes to protect the rights and safety of all athletes, regardless of gender.
