An Olympic marathon runner has died as a consequence of being attacked by a former lover. Rebecca Cheptegei was a 33-year-old Ugandan who participated in the recent Paris summer olympics.
Cheptegei was returning to her home in north-west Kenya when she was jumped by a former boyfriend, doused in gasoline, and set on fire. The mother of two was returning home with her daughters after attending church.
Local police suggested that the pair had been contesting ownership over some land and promised an ongoing investigation. Her father said that his daughter was “very supportive.” Fellow athlete James Kirwa told UK press that Cheptegei was exceedingly generous with fellow runners.
Kenya has a recurrent problem with men feeling entitled to openly attack women; 2022 data showed that 34% of Kenyan women had experienced physical violence.
Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen suggested that the incident was a reminder of the need to reject gender supremacy doctrines.
UN secretary-general Stephane Dujarric told the corporate press that they “strongly” condemned Cheptegei’s brutal murder.
Cheptegei’s father suggested that his daughter’s death will now financially burden the family as she was their primary source of income.
Dr. Kimani Mbugua told the local press that they did everything possible to save Cheptegei’s life but that the severity of the burns was simply too damaging and triggered multi-organ failure resulting in her death.
Kirwa called her “an older sister” and explained how she had financially helped him so that he could compete in the Olympics. He said that Cheptegei had bought him shoes and offered mentorship.
Uganda’s official athletics organization issued a statement of condemnation on X, announcing her death and saying how she tragically died due to domestic violence.
British Olympic athlete Eilish McColgan highlighted that it wasn’t the first time a female Olympian was killed in an episode of domestic violence.
