Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after 80 per cent of her body was burned in an attack by her partner.
She was 33.
A spokesperson at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei’s death today.
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Menach said the long-distance runner died early morning after all her organs failed.
She had been fully sedated on admission at the hospital.
Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished in 44th place.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement on Sunday.
Ndiema was also burned, and was being treated at the same hospital.
Menach said Ndiema was still in the intensive care unit with 30 per cent burns, but was “improving and stable”.
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Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s many athletic training centres.
A report filed by the local chief states that the two were heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started.
The Uganda Athletics Federation eulogised Cheptegei on the social platform X, writing, “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 Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare called the attack “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete”.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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