Petrol attack from boyfriend kills Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei
33-year-old Rebecca Cheptegei represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics 2024 and competed in the women's marathon.
Follow Us
33-year-old Uganda runner Rebecca Cheptegei died earlier today after being set on fire by her boyfriend (image via Open Source/X)
Athletes are praised around the world for bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate alongside them in their accomplishments. Paris Olympics marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei may not have won a medal, but her participation must have at least had Uganda cheering her on. But her boyfriend probably did not get the memo.
The 33-year-old runner got into an argument with her boyfriend on Sunday after returning from church. Reports claim the argument was over a piece of land. Suggesting that property and/or money was the motive behind this heinous crime. She bought the land and house to continue her training in Kenya’s elite athletic training establishments. In that ensuing argument, he doused her with petrol and set her on fire.
Cheptegei was fighting for her life at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, for the past few days. Unfortunately, her organs failed, and she passed away earlier today. The Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement on their official X account.
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.The Uganda Athletics Federation’s statement read
The marathon runner leaves behind her two daughters and a bereaving father. She was also their sole breadwinner.
Uganda officials are working with Kenyan law enforcement to bring justice to the athlete. She participated in the Paris Olympics marathon and finished 44th. Prior to that, her career highlight was winning the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s death brings the world’s attention to violence against sportswomen
Rebecca Cheptegei was the third sportswoman to be killed in Kenya since 2021. In October 2021, Kenyan rising star and Olympic runner Agnes Tirop died from multiple stab wounds to the neck. Kenyan authorities arrested her husband Ibrahim Rotich. He still denies the murder charge and is fighting with the justice system for his release.
A year later, authorities found another Kenyan-born athlete, Damaris Mutua, dead. Her boyfriend is still at large from the authorities. This poses a serious concern for women athletes in the African region. Particularly Kenya where violence against women are rising.
With the rising influence of social media, it is unlikely that the murder of Rebecca Cheptegei will go unnoticed. The recent controversies from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics have brought world athletics in a different light, with many demanding changes.
In case you missed:
- Here’s why Roderick Townsend-Roberts’ glory at the Paris Paralympics has a pungent odor of controversy
- Jason Kelce’s wife ignored Michael Phelps just because she was missing her kids at Paris Olympics
Stay Updated!
Joseph Varghese
(2313 Articles Published)