Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after 80% of her body was burned in an attack by her partner.
News of the attack which was announced on Wednesday, pointed out that the Rebecca Cheptegei (33), was in critical condition and had been rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
A spokesperson at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei’s death on Thursday morning. According to Menach, death of the long-distance runner who was fully sedated on admission was on account of organ failure.
Further investigations conducted by Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema , bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday. Ndiema was also burned and was being treated at the same hospital.
Menach said Ndiema was still in the intensive care unit with burns over 30% of his body but was “improving and stable.”
Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished in 44th place.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told journalists at the hospital that he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and hoped to get justice.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed their condolences and called for her justice on their official X page, “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.”
Cheptege’s death follows the deaths of Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser, Benjamin Kiplagat stabbed to death in 2023, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee reportedly strangled to death in 2022 and long distance runner, Agnes Tirop also stabbed to death in 2021.
