Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being burned by her partner

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei died in a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after suffering burns to 80% of her body in an attack by her partner. She was 33.

A spokesman for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei’s death on Thursday. Menach said the distance runner died early in the morning after all her organs failed. She was fully sedated when she was admitted to the hospital.

Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished 44th.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commissioner Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought a canister of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during an argument on Sunday. Ndiema also suffered burns and was treated at the same hospital.

Menach said Ndiema was still in intensive care with burns of up to 30% but her condition was “improving and stable.”

Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the numerous training centres in the county. A report filed by a local chief said the two women were heard arguing over the land on which her house was built before the attack.

The Uganda Athletics Federation held a eulogy for Cheptegea on social media platform X, writing: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegea, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare called the attack “a cowardly and senseless act that led to the loss of an outstanding athlete.”

In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechase runner Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds.

In 2022, the body of Damaris Muthee, a Bahraini athlete of Kenyan descent, was found. An autopsy revealed that she had been strangled.