Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, has tragically passed away after suffering extensive burns in a horrific attack by her former boyfriend. The incident occurred on Sunday, just days after she returned home from church with her two daughters in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.

According to authorities, Cheptegei’s ex-partner doused her in petrol and set her on fire, allegedly due to a dispute over a piece of land. The athlete had been undergoing treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, but unfortunately, all her organs failed, leading to her demise.

Cheptegei’s death has sent shockwaves through the athletic community, with Uganda’s athletics federation condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, has also appealed to the Kenyan government to ensure that justice is served.

This tragic incident marks the third case of violence against female athletes in Kenya since October 2021, raising concerns about the escalating issue of gender-based violence in the country. Cheptegei’s legacy as a talented athlete, including her participation in the recent Paris Olympics and gold medal win at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2022, will be remembered and honored.