Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died after she was severely burned by her partner over an alleged land dispute.
The marathon runner, 33, was taken to hospital in Kenya after she was doused in petrol by her boyfriend on Sunday, police said.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X: “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.”
Donald Rukare, Uganda’s Olympic Committee chief, added: “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.
Speaking to Kenyan news outlet The Star, Dr Owen Menach, acting director of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, said “we lost her after all her organs failed” on Wednesday night.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during a disagreement.
Ndiema also sustained burn wounds and was admitted to the same hospital, police said.
Cheptegei’s parents told The Star their 33-year-old daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the country’s many athletic training centres.
