Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Fire Attack by Ex-Boyfriend in Kenya

Ugandan Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away four days after suffering a brutal attack at the hands of her boyfriend, Ugandan athletics officials confirmed on Thursday.

The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, sustained life-threatening injuries after being set on fire during a violent altercation on Sunday in the town of Endebess, western Kenya. Cheptegei had been training in the area, known for its renowned athletic facilities.

According to police reports, the incident occurred outside Cheptegei’s home, where neighbours rushed to her aid after hearing a commotion. Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the local police chief, said the couple had been involved in a heated argument before the attack.

During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her, Kosiom told reporters.

Cheptegei suffered burns on more than 75% of her body and was immediately taken to Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries.

The alleged attacker, who also sustained burns during the incident, is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.

We have learned of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptege, following a vicious attack by her boyfriend, Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare said in a post on X.

This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure, Rukare added.

Cheptegei is from a region just across the Ugandan border and had recently purchased land in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia county, where she built a house to be close to the country’s famous training centres for athletes. Police believe the dispute over the property may have fueled the deadly altercation.

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