Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after suffering severe burns in a brutal attack allegedly carried out by her ex-boyfriend.
News About Nigeria reported that the 33-year-old athlete, who sustained burns on 80 percent of her body, was attacked at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, on Sunday.
According to police reports, her former partner, Dickson Ndiema, doused her in petrol and set her ablaze following a disagreement.
Cheptegei was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where doctors fought to save her life.
However, the hospital’s acting director, Dr. Owen Menach, confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries late Tuesday night after multiple organ failure.
Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Donald Rukare expressed his sorrow over the incident in a post on social media, calling the attack “cowardly and senseless.”
He further urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice.
The Uganda Athletics Federation also condemned the violent act and called for justice in a statement, mourning the loss of one of their prominent athletes.
The horrific attack took place just weeks after Cheptegei had competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
Kenyan police revealed that Ndiema, her ex-boyfriend, allegedly sneaked into her home while Cheptegei and her children were at church, later confronting her and setting her on fire.
The police discovered a jerry can, a burnt phone, and other evidence at the scene.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, revealed that the dispute between his daughter and Ndiema revolved around land ownership in Trans Nzoia.
He expressed disbelief at the act of violence, stating that the two had separated long ago.
Meanwhile, Ndiema, who also suffered burns in the incident, was admitted to the same hospital where Cheptegei had been treated.
The couple’s daughter reportedly witnessed the attack and attempted to help her mother but was kicked by the assailant.
