Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away in a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns in a brutal attack by her partner. The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to her injuries after 80% of her body was burned during an altercation reportedly sparked by a land dispute.
According to Owen Menach, a spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Cheptegei died in the early hours of Thursday morning due to organ failure. The long-distance runner had been placed in a medically induced coma upon arrival at the hospital.
Olympic Athlete’s Career Cut Short by Tragic Violence
Cheptegei had competed in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics just weeks before the incident, where she finished 44th. Her sudden death has shocked the sporting community in Uganda and beyond. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed deep grief over the loss, describing his daughter as “very supportive” and vowing to pursue justice for her death.
Attack Details: Partner Allegedly Set Athlete on Fire
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom revealed that the attack took place following an argument between Cheptegei and her partner, Dickson Ndiema, over land she had purchased near athletic training centers in the region. According to police reports, Ndiema poured gasoline on Cheptegei before setting her on fire. Ndiema also sustained burns in the attack and is currently being treated in the intensive care unit, where he remains in stable condition with burns covering 30% of his body.
Uganda Athletics Federation and Olympic Committee React
In a heartfelt message posted on the social platform X, the Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its sorrow at the loss of one of its athletes, condemning the domestic violence that led to her death. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rebecca Cheptegei, who was a victim of domestic violence. As a federation, we stand firmly against such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare also condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and senseless act” that had claimed the life of a promising athlete.
Athlete Deaths in East Africa Raise Concerns
Cheptegei’s death adds to a growing list of tragic incidents involving elite athletes in East Africa. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead from stab wounds, while in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was strangled to death. Similarly, in 2021, world record-holding long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death at her home, with her husband arrested and charged with her murder.
Conclusion
Rebecca Cheptegei’s untimely death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence, particularly in the world of sports. As her family mourns the loss of a talented athlete and loving daughter, calls for justice grow louder. The tragedy also highlights the need for greater protections and support for athletes facing domestic and interpersonal challenges, as their legacies should be celebrated for their achievements rather than marred by violence.