- Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after petrol attack
- The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in Paris, suffered severe burns in the attack
- Her ex-boyfriend remains in custody
Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after petrol attack
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, according to Ugandan officials. The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in Paris, suffered severe burns in the attack, which took place after she returned home from church in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.
Local reports suggest the attack was related to a land dispute between Cheptegei and her former partner. An investigation is ongoing.
Cheptegei’s death highlights rising concerns about violence against female athletes in Kenya, with several cases ending in tragedy. Uganda’s athletics federation expressed their grief on social media, condemning the attack and calling for justice.
Cheptegei’s family has yet to confirm her death, but doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret reported she passed away after multiple organ failure. Her ex-boyfriend, also hospitalised with less severe burns, remains in custody.
This tragic incident follows the deaths of East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, both allegedly killed by their partners. Tirop’s husband is facing murder charges, while Mutua’s boyfriend is still at large.