OLYMPIC marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after she was allegedly set on fire in a brutal petrol attack by her ex-boyfriend.
The Ugandan athlete, 33, suffered horror burns over 75 per cent of her body after her former partner snuck into her home to ambush her, local media reported.
Cheptegei spent days in critical condition at an Intensive Care Unit in Eldoret city’s Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, western Kenya.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X on Thursday morning: “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.”
Cheptegei was a cross country, long distance and marathon runner who competed globally and most recently finished 44th in the Paris 2024 Olympics Women’s Marathon race.
Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Tuesday that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her alight during an argument on Sunday.
He reportedly entered her home while she and her two children were at church.
As he allegedly set her alight using a matchstick he was also engulfed by the flames and rushed to hospital, Nation Africa reports.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told Kenyan newspaper The Star that his daughter’s two children are not fathered by the alleged attacker.
The athlete was helped by neighbours after the horrific incident in Endebess, the town where she lived.
People on X paid tribute to the athlete, writing “RIP” and “May her soul rest in peace”.
One woman added: “So so sad, watched her race many times.”
Another wrote: “Dear Ugandans, and to her family, we are sorry. This is heartbreaking.”
This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure
Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee
Dr Owen Menach, acting director at the hospital where Cheptegei was being treated, today confirmed she died late last night.
He told Kenyan media: “Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed.”
Meanwhile the president of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Donald Rukare said in a post on X today: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.
“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
The UOC is urging local law enforcement to “take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice”.
Official Kosiom said this week: “The [ex]boyfriend is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2pm on Sunday while [Cheptegei] and the children were in Church”, Kenyan newspaper The Standard reports.
“Upon returning, [the attacker], who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before he set her ablaze.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house.
“During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.
“The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.”
A police investigation has been launched.
They found a five-litre jerry can, a bag and a burned phone at the scene, Kenyan newspaper The Nation reports.
Cheptegei – from a region across the border in Uganda – reportedly bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia County and built a house to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training facilities.
A local administrator report said the ex-pair were locked in a dispute over the plot.
Cheptegei’s father spoke from hospital with his other daughter and told local media that the pair were fighting over her land shortly before the alleged attack happened.
The pro runner finished 44th in the marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics.
By Ellie Doughty, Foreign News Reporter
Rebecca Cheptegei, who has died aged 33, was a Ugandan cross country, long distance and marathon runner.
She had represented Uganda at global competitions since 2010 including the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and World Athletics Championships.
Cheptegei most recently competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s marathon race.
She finished in 44th place.
According to local reports, Cheptegei had two children.
She had recently moved to Trans Nzoia County to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training facilities.
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
