Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan long-distance athlete, tragically passed away on Thursday at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret. She had been fighting for her life after suffering severe burns in a horrifying attack on Sunday.
Cheptegei sustained 80% burns when her estranged boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The boyfriend, who also suffered burns during the incident, reportedly purchased the petrol before carrying out the attack.
Trans Nzoia Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Koisiom confirmed the incident, and investigations are ongoing. This tragic case has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the need for stronger protections.
The area chief revealed that prior to the tragic incident, Rebecca Cheptegei and her estranged boyfriend had been involved in a heated argument over the ownership of a piece of land where their house was built. This dispute, according to the chief, may have been a key factor leading to the horrific attack.
Locals in the area also believe that the land conflict likely contributed to the escalation of tensions between the two, ultimately resulting in the tragic outcome. The case has highlighted the dangers of unresolved domestic disputes, especially those involving property.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s parents have confirmed that the athlete purchased the piece of land in question, intending to be near the athletes’ training center. This clarification came after reports surfaced that the land dispute between Cheptegei and her estranged boyfriend may have led to the tragic incident.
Earlier this week, Uganda’s Athletics Federation released a statement condemning the attack. The federation confirmed that Cheptegei, an Olympian, had sustained severe injuries and was receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. “We regret to announce that our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics, has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized,” the federation said in its statement.
The tragic incident occurred after Rebecca Cheptegei’s estranged Kenyan boyfriend allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire. At the scene, police recovered a five-litre jerrican containing petrol and a mobile phone, believed to belong to the boyfriend.
This heartbreaking event took place just weeks after Cheptegei had competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished in 48th position in a highly competitive race.
Meanwhile, detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and investigations were still ongoing at the time of reporting.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic death is the latest in a series of horrific incidents involving athletes in the East African region. Such occurrences have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of athletes, particularly those facing personal challenges outside of their sporting careers.
The tragedy highlights the broader issue of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect athletes and individuals alike from such acts of violence. This devastating event has further sparked calls for action to ensure that athletes in the region receive not only support in their sporting endeavors but also protection in their personal lives.