Marathon Runner Dies After Being Set on Fire by Ex-Boyfriend
Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics last month, has tragically passed away after being attacked by her former boyfriend at her home.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that athlete Rebecca Cheptegei passed away this morning. She was a victim of domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation shared on social media.
The attack that led to Cheptegei’s death occurred just days after she returned from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished 44th in the women’s marathon. The 33-year-old athlete suffered severe burns over 75% of her body after her ex-boyfriend threw gasoline on her and set her on fire at her residence in Trans Nzoia County, northwest Kenya.
Police suspect the incident might have been triggered by a land dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend. Originally from Uganda, Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to facilitate her training in Kenya. She built a house on this land and lived there with her two children.
Dr. Owen Menach, Director of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, reported that Cheptegei died due to extensive damage to her body. Her ex-boyfriend, who also sustained minor burns, was hospitalized but is currently in stable condition.
“Neighbors heard them arguing outside the house. During the altercation, the ex-boyfriend threw a flammable liquid on her and set her alight,” said Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Trans Nzoia County police chief. It is suspected that the ex-boyfriend broke into the house to wait for Cheptegei while she was attending church with her children.
“This cowardly and senseless act has taken away a great athlete. Her contributions to Ugandan marathon running will be remembered,” said Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, has called on the Kenyan government to ensure the incident is handled with the utmost seriousness.
Violence against women is a serious issue in Kenya. At least 34% of women reported having experienced physical violence in 2022.
