Uganda Athletics Federation has confirmed the death of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei after being set ablaze by a former boyfriend.
Cheptegei, 33, suffered extensive burns last Sunday after she attacked and doused in petrol by the former boyfriend following a quarrel over land she had purchased. The boyfriend suffered lesser burns and was also hospitalised.
“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’s athletics federation said in a post on X.
Ugandan Olympic Committee added.
“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee Donald Rukare said on X.
Dr Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she had been admitted, told local media that the athlete had died after all her organs failed.
Talking to reporters, earlier in the week her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said that he prayed “for justice for my daughter”, adding that he had never seen such an inhumane act in his life.
