Ugandan Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Domestic Attack in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya — Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns in an attack allegedly carried out by her partner. Cheptegei, 33, passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret on Thursday after her organs failed, following burns to 80% of her body.

Cheptegei had been admitted to the hospital in critical condition after the incident, which occurred in Trans Nzoia County. According to police, her partner, Dickson Ndiema, doused her in gasoline and set her on fire during a dispute. Ndiema, who also sustained burns, is being treated at the same hospital in the intensive care unit. He is reported to have burns on 30% of his body but is now in stable condition.

The attack came just weeks after Cheptegei had competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. Her death has shocked both the sports world and the Ugandan public, with calls for stronger action against gender-based violence. Cheptegei’s family has expressed their grief, demanding justice for the brutal attack.

Local reports indicate that the couple had been arguing over land Cheptegei had purchased near several athletic training centers in Trans Nzoia. This property was the source of a dispute on the day of the attack, according to a report filed by the local chief.

Uganda’s Athletics Federation mourned the loss of Cheptegei, describing her death as a tragic consequence of domestic violence. The federation emphasized the need to address and condemn such acts, highlighting the broader issue of gender-based violence that continues to plague the region.

Authorities in Kenya are continuing to investigate the incident, while Ndiema remains under medical supervision. The tragic death of Cheptegei has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of women and the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect them from domestic violence.