Uganda's athlete Cheptegei dies after ex-boyfriend set her on fire

Rebecca Cheptegei, the 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner and recent Paris Olympics competitor, has died from severe burns inflicted by her former partner.

Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where she had been receiving treatment.

Cheptegei was attacked on Sunday by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, who allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze during an argument outside their home.

Ndiema, who sustained serious burns in the incident, is currently hospitalized alongside Cheptegei.

The tragic event has highlighted ongoing concerns about gender-based violence.

Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the urgent need to address such violence, which he noted is a growing issue even among elite athletes.

Cheptegei's father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed profound grief and called for justice, questioning how her young daughters would cope with the loss. He criticized the attack as an inhumane act and pleaded for accountability.

The Uganda Athletics Federation and the Uganda Olympic Committee have condemned the violence, remembering Cheptegei for her contributions to athletics and her supportive nature.

Her death adds to a troubling pattern of violence against female athletes in the region, following the recent killings of Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.