Rebecca Cheptegei dies after brutal attack in Kenya

Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Attack
Ex-Partner Doused Her in Gasoline and Set Her on Fire
Justice Demanded for the Athlete

According to an article published by BBC News Mundo, Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, has died in Kenya after being brutally attacked by her ex-partner.

The assailant doused her with gasoline and set her on fire just days before her death.

Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathon runner, recently participated in the Paris Olympics.

The attack occurred after the athlete returned home from attending church.

Concerns Grow Over Violence Against Female Athletes in Kenya

Rebecca, Cheptegei, death, athlete, couple — Rebecca Cheptegei – PHOTO: Instagram Screenshot @afrique.femme

Local sources reported that the athlete and her ex-partner had been arguing over land.

In Kenya, there is growing concern about violence against female athletes.

Rebecca Cheptegei is the third athlete to be murdered since October 2021.

Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and demanded justice.

«I lost a daughter who supported me greatly,» the father told the media.

Dr. Owen Menach from Moi University Hospital confirmed Rebecca Cheptegei’s death.

The doctor stated that her death was caused by the failure of all her organs.

The Ugandan Athletics Federation condemned the attack in a post on X.

Details of the Tragic Attack and Rebecca Cheptegei’s Transfer to Kenya

atlata, kenya, murder, couple, worldnow — PHOTO: Instagram @officialteamkenya

«We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete,» they said.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend was also injured, but his condition is stable. Local police reported that the attack followed an argument between the couple.

Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the local police chief, explained how the attacker poured a liquid on the athlete, leading to her death.

Cheptegei had moved to Kenya to be closer to training centers.

«This was a cowardly and senseless act,» said Donald Rukare from the Ugandan Olympic Committee. Cheptegei’s legacy, who won gold in 2022, will live on, Rukare added.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s murder follows a pattern of violence affecting athletes in East Africa.

In 2021, Agnes Tirop was killed; in 2022, Damaris Mutua suffered the same fate.

Tirop and Mutua’s partners are the main suspects in their deaths, according to authorities. Cheptegei’s case adds another tragedy to this troubling trend.