(ProsperNews.net) – Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei tragically passed away on Thursday after being attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya. Cheptegei, a marathon runner who competed for Uganda in the Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries in a Kenyan hospital burn unit, where she had been fighting for her life. She had sustained burns on over 75 percent of her body and died from multiple organ failure, according to CNN.
The horrific attack happened on Sunday when her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, reportedly forced his way into her home. According to police reports, the couple had been arguing over land ownership when the confrontation turned violent. During the altercation, Ndiema poured gasoline on Cheptegei and set her on fire. Though she was rushed to the hospital, her injuries were too severe for doctors to save her.
The Ugandan Athletic Federation confirmed her death in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement read.
The Kenyan Olympic Team also expressed their grief, calling her death a “profound loss” to the athletic world. Cheptegei was widely regarded as a promising marathon runner with a bright future ahead of her.
Her mother, Agnes, expressed deep sorrow to the media, describing her daughter as “a good child.” She lamented that her daughter’s life had been cut short in such a violent and senseless way. The loss has devastated her family and the wider athletic community.
Uganda’s minister of state for sports, Peter Ogwang, also commented on Cheptegei’s death, calling it “tragic.” He assured the public that Kenyan authorities were investigating the circumstances and would release a full report in the near future.
Cheptegei had competed in the women’s marathon during the Paris Olympics earlier this year, finishing 44th. Her untimely death has sparked widespread conversations about domestic violence and the urgent need for stronger protective measures to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
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