How Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was Set Ablaze by Boyfriend

A Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who recently participated in the 2024 Olympics died days after her boyfriend attacked her.

Cheptegei died while receiving treatment for 80% of burns sustained in an alleged attack by her Kenyan lover Dickson Ndiema.

The athlete succumbed to injuries as plans were underway to airlift her to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

She died at Moi Hospital in Eldoret where she was living with her boyfriend.

The authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, said she was targeted after returning home from church.

A report filed by a local administrator alleged the athlete and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a piece of land. Police say an investigation is under way.

There are concerns about the increasing cases of violence against female athletes in Kenya, several of which have resulted in death.

“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,” Uganda’s athletics federation said in a post on X.

The family is yet to confirm her death but Dr Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she had been admitted, told local media that the athlete had died after all her organs failed.

Cheptegei’s former boyfriend was also admitted to the hospital – but with less severe burns.

“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom was quoted by local media as saying.

Ms Cheptegei, from a region just across the border in Uganda, is said to have bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia county and built a house, to be near Kenya’s many athletic training centres.

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee Donald Rukare said on X.