A Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei, has passed on from a Kenyan hospital following the petrol attack by her boyfriend.
The deceased who sustained severe burns on her body during the Sunday attack had been admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in Paris, had suffered extensive burns from the attack.
Before her death, the Uganda Sports Federation had planned to airlift Cheptegei to Nairobi for better medical treatments.
“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 nation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” reads a message from the Uganda Athletics Federation.
He former 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 said.
Cheptegei was 44th in this year’s Women’s Marathon in Paris. She had been competing professionally since 2010, according to the World Olympics, with her finishing 15th in the first competition in the 1500 meters at the 38th IAAF World cross-country Championship in Poland.
In 2022, the deceased won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
