Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away in Kenya, four days after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire, according to Ugandan athletics officials.
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, expressed grief over her death, calling the attack “cowardly and senseless.” Cheptegei, 33, suffered severe burns after being doused in petrol and set ablaze by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, at her home in Kenya’s Trans-Nzoia County.
Cheptegei, who recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, fought for her life in a Kenyan hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Ugandan athletics authorities and family members have condemned the attack, calling for justice.
This incident sheds further light on the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Kenya, following other high-profile cases involving athletes.
