Uganda is mourning the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, a prominent athlete who died after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire.
The horrific incident has led to calls for justice for victims of domestic abuse.
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei tragically passed away days after her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema allegedly set her on fire in a horrific act of violence.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who had been living in Kenya represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
At the event, she competed in the women’s marathon, finishing 44th.
Her death has sent shockwaves through both the Ugandan and Kenyan athletic communities.
According to authorities, the brutal incident took place in her home in Western Trans Nzoia County, Nairobi.
This follows a domestic dispute between Cheptegei and Ndiema.
Also, the disagreement reportedly escalated into violence when Ndiema doused Cheptegei in petrol and set her ablaze.
It leaves her with life-threatening burns covering 75% of her body.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, the severity of her injuries proved fatal.
Ndiema, who also suffered burn injuries during the incident, was admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for specialised treatment.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, with early reports suggesting the dispute was linked to an argument over land ownership.
Cheptegei’s family revealed that she had purchased land in the area to be closer to Kenya’s renowned athletic training centers.
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This decision may have contributed to the deadly altercation.
Cheptegei’s tragic death has drawn comparisons to the murder of another Kenyan athlete, Agnes Tirop
Also, Agnes was found stabbed to death in her home in Iten in 2021
