After days of fighting for her life after being set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend, Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away.
The incident, which occurred in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, stemmed from a domestic dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend. She suffered severe burns, covering more than 75% of her body, and was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Despite initial treatment at Kitale County Referral Hospital and plans to airlift her to Nairobi for specialized care, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries before the transfer could take place.
According to local authorities, the attack occurred after an argument outside their home, where the ex-boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on her before setting her on fire. The assailant also sustained burns and was treated at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
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Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei condemned the attack, expressing sorrow for the tragic loss and denouncing the violence. Tuwei emphasized that such acts of brutality, especially within the sports community, must never be tolerated.
Cheptegei, a long-distance and marathon runner, had represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the women’s marathon event. Her death is part of a growing concern about the increasing cases of violence against athletes in the region.