Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, has tragically passed away after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. The Olympian, who finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, died from severe burns sustained during the attack, which occurred after she returned home from church with her two daughters in north-west Kenya.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed deep sorrow, describing her as a “very supportive” daughter and the family’s breadwinner. Fellow athlete James Kirwa recalled her generosity and support for other runners.
Local reports suggest the attack may have been linked to a dispute over land. Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation.
Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, called the tragedy a “stark reminder” of the pressing need to address gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite athletes.
Cheptegei’s passing follows other recent cases of violence against female athletes in East Africa, including the killings of Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, whose partners are the main suspects.
