Tragic Death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei in Shocking Attack

The athletics world has been left in mourning after the tragic death of Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, just days after she was horrifically set on fire by her former boyfriend. Cheptegei, 33, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries following the attack, which took place last Sunday.

Cheptegei, who had been living and training in north-west Kenya, suffered severe burns after being doused in petrol and set alight while returning home from church with her two daughters. The attack has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, where Cheptegei was known not just for her athletic talent, but also for her generosity and support of fellow runners.

Speaking about her death, Cheptegei’s grieving father, Joseph Cheptegei, said he had lost a "very supportive" daughter, while Ugandan athlete James Kirwa paid tribute to her kindness, highlighting how she had helped other runners financially.

The attack is believed to have stemmed from a dispute over land between Cheptegei and her ex-partner. According to reports from local authorities, the couple had been arguing over a piece of property Cheptegei had purchased in Kenya's Trans Nzoia county, where she built a home to be close to elite athletics training centres. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Rebecca Cheptegei was originally from a region just across the border in Uganda but had made Kenya her home, where she lived and trained for marathon events. Her death has cast a spotlight on the growing issue of gender-based violence in Kenya. A national survey conducted in 2022 revealed that at least 34% of women had experienced physical violence, a statistic that has raised widespread concern across the country.

Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, called the tragedy a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports,” Murkomen said.

International organisations, including the United Nations, have also condemned the attack. A spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, echoed sentiments expressed by the UN Population Fund and UN Women, stating, “We strongly condemn the violent murder of Rebecca Cheptegei,” underscoring the global outcry over her death.

The death of Rebecca Cheptegei is not only a devastating loss for her family and friends but also for the global athletics community. Known for her determination, strength, and generosity, she will be remembered as a champion both on and off the track. Her passing is a painful reminder of the urgent need to address violence against women, an issue that continues to claim lives and devastate families across the world.