Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away just days after being set on fire by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete, who recently participated in the Paris Olympics, sustained severe burns after a violent incident that occurred when she returned home from church with her two daughters. Officials in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, reported that the altercation was related to a dispute over land. Her father expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his “very supportive” daughter, highlighting her generous nature and contributions to fellow runners.
Local authorities indicated that an investigation is ongoing. Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia county to be close to elite training centers and had built a home there. The issue of violence against women has become increasingly pressing in Kenya, where a survey from 2022 reported that at least 34% of women experienced physical violence. The tragedy has garnered international attention, with Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasizing the urgent need to address gender-based violence within sports. The UN has also condemned the violent circumstances surrounding Cheptegei’s death.
Speaking to the media outside the hospital, Cheptegei’s father urged the Kenyan government to ensure justice is served, lamenting the impact of her death on her young children’s future. Medical professionals confirmed that Cheptegei suffered extensive burns, leading to multi-organ failure. Athletes and officials from Uganda expressed their heartbreak over the loss, with tributes highlighting her supportive nature and athletic achievements, including her victory at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2022.
Cheptegei’s death comes amid growing concerns about violence against female athletes in East Africa, following the murders of fellow runners Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua in previous years. The sports community is calling for greater awareness and action to address domestic violence and support for victims. Friends and fellow athletes expressed their shock and grief, recalling the tragic pattern of violence that has affected their community.