Cheptegei’s father speaks over daughter’s death

By Peter Ochieng

Joseph Cheptegei, the father of slain Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei has broken his silence, hours after her demise.

Rebecca died while receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, after her former boyfriend identified as Dickson Ndiema doused her in petrol and set her on fire in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County on Sunday.

Addressing the press in Eldoret, the Senior Cheptegei said he had lost a bread winner. “We have lost our only breadwinner, we are lost on what to do,” he said. He said he is looking forward to seeing justice being served.

On his part, Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs said Cheptegei’s death calls for action against cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its head in elite sporting circles.”

“As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal,” he added.

Cheptegei was attacked at her home in Endebess, Trans Nzoia county where she had been training. She was rescued by neighbours after the incident that happened on Sunday, and rushed to hospital.

Reports indicate that she was returning from church with her two children when she was attacked.

According to area police boss Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the alleged attacker also sustained serious burns, and was admitted at MTRH. “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Mr Kosiom said.

Cheptegei, from a region just across the border in Uganda, is said to have bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia County and built a house, to be near Kenya's many athletic training centres.

A report filed by a local administrator said the two had been wrangling over the piece of land. Cheptegei's father, Joseph Cheptegei, said he prayed for justice of her daughter. Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics.

The Kenyan government was planning to airlift her to Nairobi, for further medical attention.