Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away just days after a brutal incident in which she was doused in petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete had recently competed in the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon. The attack occurred in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, shortly after she returned home from church with her two daughters. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief at the loss of a devoted daughter who was a crucial support for their family.
Reports indicate that the conflict between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend stemmed from a dispute over a piece of land. Authorities are currently investigating the incident. Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia County to be closer to Kenya’s elite athletics training facilities. The issue of violence against women has become a significant concern in Kenya; a national survey in 2022 found that at least 34% of women had experienced physical violence.
Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, highlighted the urgent need to address gender-based violence, while various UN organizations also condemned the violent act. Cheptegei’s father called for justice after her death, expressing concern for her young children’s future without their mother. Healthcare professionals reported that Cheptegei had suffered extensive burns, leading to multi-organ failure, which resulted in her passing.
Fellow athletes have paid tribute to Cheptegei, recalling her generosity and support towards others in the athletics community. The Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement mourning her tragic death and condemning domestic violence. Prominent figures in sports, like British Olympian Eilish McColgan, lamented the ongoing violence against female athletes.
The former boyfriend involved in the incident is currently hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition. Local authorities noted that the couple was involved in a heated argument prior to the attack. Alongside Cheptegei, the athletics community has been rocked by previous incidents of violence, including the murders of Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, further amplifying concerns about the safety of female athletes.
Community responses in Uganda reflect deep sorrow and anger at the pattern of violence against women in sports, with advocates calling for greater awareness and protective measures for female athletes.