Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away from the severe burn injuries that she got after she was set on fire by Kenyan boyfriend.
The 33-year-old Cheptegei had been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
Cheptegei died due to multiple organ failure after suffering 80 percent burns
According to Trans Nzoia county police commander, Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought a container of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans-Nzoia to be near the country’s many athletic training centres. A report filed by the local police chief states that the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started.
Dickson is also receiving treatment at the hospital after he suffered serious burns.
The incident took place just weeks after Cheptegei participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
Cheptegei began her career in 2010 and represented Uganda in various long-distance races, making her first Olympic appearance at the games in Paris.
The Ugandan Olympic Committee called for swift action in a statement confirming Cheptegei’s death.
May she rest in peace
