Uganda – Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Attack by Boyfriend in Kenya

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, tragically passed away on Thursday, just four days after a horrific attack by her boyfriend in Kenya. Cheptegei, 33, was set on fire after being doused in petrol, resulting in severe burns covering more than 75% of her body, according to media reports from Kenya and Uganda.

Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics, was admitted to a hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, following the attack on Sunday. Despite efforts to save her, doctors confirmed she died early Thursday morning due to organ failure.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, posted on social media. “We condemn violence against women in the strongest terms and pray for her soul to rest in peace.”

Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the Paris Olympics, is the third notable female athlete in Kenya to lose her life since 2021. Kenyan and Ugandan sports authorities have expressed outrage over the rising incidents of violence targeting women in sports.

Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen called Cheptegei’s death a devastating loss for the entire region. “This tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of the need to address gender-based violence in our society, which has increasingly surfaced in elite sports circles,” Murkomen said.

Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, has appealed to authorities to safeguard his daughter’s children and property, noting that the dispute over land was likely a contributing factor to the attack.

Reports indicate that Cheptegei and her boyfriend had been quarreling over property ownership in the days leading up to the incident. Following the attack, the boyfriend also sustained burns and is currently being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit, according to local doctors.

The incident has cast a spotlight on gender-based violence, with many calling for justice and stronger protections for women. According to 2022 statistics, nearly 34% of Kenyan women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women being particularly vulnerable. Domestic violence remains a critical issue in many African countries, where women continue to face exploitation and abuse.

Cheptegei’s death echoes the 2021 murder of Agnes Tirop, a Kenyan Olympian found stabbed to death in her home. Her husband, who was charged with her murder, has pleaded not guilty, and the case remains ongoing. Tirop’s death sparked outrage across Kenya, leading to the formation of a non-profit organization, ‘Tirop’s Angels,’ which focuses on combating domestic violence in the sporting community.

Joan Chelimo, a co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, highlighted the exploitation and danger female athletes often face, particularly from men drawn to their financial success. “These predators disguise themselves as lovers, only to trap and exploit these women,” Chelimo said.

The sports community in both Uganda and Kenya continues to mourn Cheptegei’s loss, calling for increased efforts to combat violence against women and ensure justice for the fallen athlete.

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