Nairobi
Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, has passed away after suffering a severe petrol attack by a former partner in western Kenya.
Cheptegei, a record-holding athlete, was severely burned, with over 75% of her body injured after being set on fire at her home in Endebess, where she had been training. Neighbours rescued her after the attack, and she was taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she fought for her life for several days.
‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically became a victim of domestic violence,’ the Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X, condemning the attack and calling for justice.
The Kenyan Olympic team also extended its condolences, praising Cheptegei’s achievements as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and Paris 2024 Olympian, while also advocating against gender-based violence.
In 2022, Cheptegei won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Her alleged attacker, who also sustained burns, is being treated at the same hospital. The local police are investigating the incident.
