Uganda athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after arson attack

By Peter Ochieng

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is dead.

Cheptegei who was part of Uganda’s marathon team which graced the 2024 Paris Olympics in France last month, died while receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.

She was admitted at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), after a man alleged to be her former boyfriend doused her with petrol, before setting her on fire, over the weekend.

Dr. Owen Menach, MTRH Acting Director confirmed her demise. He said she died last night after all her organs failed.

“Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night,” said Dr Menach.

The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) also confirmed her death in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“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.”

Donald Rukare, Uganda sports lawyer said the attack against the 33-year-old athlete by her former boyfriend was a cowardly act.  

“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei 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 great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”

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 - Dickson Ndiema, a Kenyan, also sustained serious burns. He is 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.