Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, dies from injuries after being set on fire

• Runner sustained 80% burns during attack in Kenya
• Police say partner attacked her amid dispute over land

The Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a Kenyan hospital after sustaining 80% burns to her body following an attack by her partner on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Cheptegei had been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city. A spokesperson, Owen Menach, confirmed her death on Thursday.

Donald Rukare, president of Uganda Olympics Committee, said in a post on X: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei … 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.”

Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom had said on Monday that 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,” Kosiom told the Standard newspaper in Kenya. “The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.” Ndiema was being treated at the same hospital as Cheptegei.

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.

Last month Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and she was 14th in the event at last year’s world championships in Budapest. In 2022, she won the mountain race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.

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