Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei died in Kenya four days after being set on fire by her lover, Ugandan athletics officials announced Thursday.
The head of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Donald Rukare, posted on X about the tragic death of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei due to a violent attack by her lover.
“This was a cowardly and pointless crime that resulted in the loss of a brilliant athlete. “Her legacy will endure,” he continued.
According to police, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, Cheptegei’s partner, allegedly doused her with fuel and set her on fire on Sunday at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia’s western county.
The incident occurred two weeks after Cheptegei, 33, competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th.
Cheptegei had 80 percent of her body burned and was struggling for her life at a Kenyan hospital, the facility’s interim director told reporters on Tuesday.
“All her organs failed last night,” a medic from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) told AFP on Thursday.
Kenyan media had reported that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault at her mother’s home.
“He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother,” Kenya’s The Standard reported her as saying.
“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible,” said the girl, who has not been named.
Marangach was also wounded in the incident, sustaining 30 per cent burns on his body.
– ‘We call for justice’ –
The Uganda Athletics Federation also reported Cheptegei’s death in a statement on X.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” it said.
“As a federation, we condemn such actions and demand justice. May her soul rest peacefully.”
The attack on Cheptegei has once again highlighted domestic violence in Kenya.