ELDORET, Kenya — Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic athlete, has died at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated for severe burns covering 80% of her body following an attack allegedly perpetrated by her partner.
Owen Menach, a spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, confirmed Cheptegei’s death on Thursday. Menach stated that the long-distance runner died early in the morning after organ failure. She had been fully sedated since her admission to the hospital.
Cheptegei had competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack, finishing in 44th place.
Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete’s father, told journalists at the hospital that he had lost a “very supportive” daughter and expressed hope for justice.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported on Monday that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and set her ablaze during a disagreement on Sunday. Ndiema also sustained burns in the incident and was being treated at the same hospital.
Menach informed that Ndiema remained in the intensive care unit with burns over 30% of his body but was “improving and stable.”
Cheptegei’s parents revealed that their daughter had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s numerous athletic training centers. A report filed by the local chief indicated that the couple was heard arguing over the land where her house was built before the attack occurred.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its condolences on the social platform X, stating, “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 Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare described the attack as “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”
This tragic incident follows a series of violent deaths among East African athletes in recent years. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found dead, with a postmortem report indicating she was strangled. In 2021, long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death at her home, with her husband Ibrahim Rotich arrested and charged with murder in an ongoing case.
The death of Rebecca Cheptegei highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the athletic community and beyond, prompting calls for increased awareness and preventive measures.
