Cheptegei: Olympic Marathoner Dies Days After Boyfriend Set Her On Fire (Photos)

Rebecca Cheptegei, a marathon runner who competed for Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has died days after she was set on fire, allegedly by her boyfriend.

Cheptegei, 33, was left fighting for her life in hospital for burns on 75 per cent of her body following a disagreement with her boyfriend outside their house on Monday 2 September, police said.

Cheptegei was receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city in Kenya, where she trained.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, said that Cheptegei’s boyfriend bought a jerry can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze.

Cheptegei’s boyfriend also sustained burn wounds, although they are less severe, and is receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the many athletic training centres in the county.

A report filed by the local authorities stated that Cheptegei and her boyfriend were heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started.

An investigation into Cheptegei’s death is underway.

Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the Paris Olympics marathon, is the latest victim of attacks on athletes in Kenya.

In 2021, Agnes Tirop, a two-time bronze medallist over 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships, was found dead with stab wounds following an alleged attack from her husband.

Tirop’s husband is facing murder charges, which he denies, while Mutua’s boyfriend was identified as the main suspect and police are still searching for him.

In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua was found dead with a postmortem report stating that she was strangled.

In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found dead. A postmortem report said she was strangled.

We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure .

Donald Rukare
President, Ugandan Olympic Committee

I have just received disturbing news about the tragic death of Uganda’s athlete Rebecca Cheptegei this morning in Kenya.

The Kenyan authorities are investigating the circumstances under which she died and a more detailed report & program will be provided in due course.

The long-distance runner represented us in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics.

I send my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, sports fraternity and Ugandans at large.

Peter Ogwang
Uganda ‘s Minister of State for Sports & Education

On behalf of #TeamKenya we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei.

Rebecca’s talent, and perseverance as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and a Paris 2024 Olympian will always be remembered and celebrated.

Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.

May her soul rest in peace. 🕊️

Kenyan Olympic Committee

Dickson Ndiema (in 4th pix) – Graphic