Rebecca Cheptegei: The marathon runner died – Her partner set her on fire – 2024-09-07 16:03:00

The tragic end of the few days of hospitalization of the well-known marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was fighting in the intensive care unit with serious burns on almost 80% of her body, was confirmed by the country’s sports federation.

“We have learned of the sad death of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei… who was a victim of domestic violence. As a Federation we condemn such actions and demand justice,” writes the Uganda Athletic Feferation in its post on the X platform.

BREAKING NEWS💔💔
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE

— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024

He doused her in gasoline

The 33-year-old marathon runner from Uganda was attacked at her home by her Kenyan roommate and partner, who “bought petrol and doused her after an argument”, as announced by the police commander of Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The alleged assailant also suffered burns and is being treated in Eldoret town.

Her father, a few hours before he died, had made a public appeal to the authorities to bring justice to the attack, expressing his pain and despair over the tragic incident.

Mzee Joseph Cheptegei is pleading for justice for his daughter Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who is in critical condition after she sustained more than 80 percent burns during an attack in Trans Nzoia. pic.twitter.com/cIWaaDJ2VQ

— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) September 4, 2024