Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away at a hospital in Kenya, where she was being treated after suffering severe burns from an attack by her partner. Cheptegei, 33, succumbed to her injuries after 80% of her body was burned in the assault.
Owen Menach, a spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, confirmed her death on Thursday. He stated that the long-distance runner passed away early in the morning due to organ failure. Upon admission to the hospital, Cheptegei had been fully sedated due to the extent of her injuries.
Just weeks before the attack, Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th. Her sudden and tragic death has left her family devastated. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief at the hospital, sharing how supportive his daughter had been. He also emphasized his hope for justice to be served.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, revealed that the attack occurred on Sunday during a disagreement between Cheptegei and her partner, Dickson Ndiema. According to Kosiom, Ndiema purchased a can of gasoline, poured it over Cheptegei, and set her on fire. Ndiema also sustained burns in the attack and is being treated at the same hospital.
Menach reported that Ndiema is in the intensive care unit, with burns covering 30% of his body, but his condition is improving and stable.
Cheptegei’s parents shared that their daughter had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be near the area’s athletic training centers. A report from the local chief indicated that the couple had been heard arguing over the land where her home was built shortly before the attack took place.
The Uganda Athletics Federation mourned the loss of Cheptegei on the social platform X, condemning the domestic violence that led to her death. The federation wrote, “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.”
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, also condemned the attack, describing it as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”
Unfortunately, Cheptegei’s death follows a disturbing trend of violence against athletes in East Africa. In 2023, fellow Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found strangled to death. And in 2021, Kenyan long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was murdered in her home, with her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, arrested and charged for the crime, which remains under trial.
Cheptegei’s death highlights ongoing issues of violence within the sports community, particularly among female athletes, as calls for justice and action continue to grow.
Source: cfpublic.org
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