The family of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has called for justice following her death in a Kenyan hospital on Thursday. The 33-year-old marathon runner succumbed to injuries sustained after her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her ablaze.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed frustration with authorities, demanding the prosecution of her attacker. “The person who harmed my daughter is a murderer, yet security officials have done nothing. He remains free and could flee,” he told reporters.
Cheptegei’s mother, Agnes, criticized local police in Endebess for not ensuring her daughter’s safety. Prior to the attack, Cheptegei and her partner had reportedly argued over the land on which her home was built.
The athlete had purchased land in Trans Nzoia county to be closer to Kenya’s elite athletics training centers.
BREAKING NEWS💔💔
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE
— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024Doctors reported that Rebecca Cheptegei had been placed under full sedation after being admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she was receiving treatment for severe burns.
Dr. Kimani Mbugua, a physician at the hospital, confirmed that Cheptegei passed away early Thursday morning due to multi-organ failure.
“There were severe burns on a significant portion on her body. These led to multi-organ failure, so we had kidney failure, cardiovascular failure, so most of her systems failed following the burns,” he said.
We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a… pic.twitter.com/V8Mog3oMOX
— Donald Rukare (@drukare) September 5, 2024Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, suffered burns covering 30% of his body and remains in intensive care.
The athlete had competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics just weeks before the attack, finishing 44th.
Cheptegei is the third high-profile female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING ON OF UGANDAN ATHLETE REBECCA CHEPTEGEI pic.twitter.com/Y38SCHnnsN
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) September 5, 2024
