This is terrible. Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being set on fire by her boyfriend.
According to reports, Cheptegei passed away at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated for burns that covered 80% of her body. The horrible incident took place after her boyfriend poured gasoline on her and then proceeded to set her on fire. Four days later, she passed away from organ failure due to the attack.
Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, said that Dickson Ndiema poured her with gasoline after arguing over land. “The couple were heard quarreling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” ole Kosiom said to reporters.
The land was bought by Cheptegei’s parents in Trans Nzoia for their daughter to be closer to the county’s athletic training centers. Once the news of Cheptegei’s passing broke, Donald Rukare, Ugandan Olympic President posted a touching tribute on social media. “May her gentle soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women,” he wrote. “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
Rebecca Cheptegei finished 44th in the Paris Olympics marathon and was known as a respected figure in the community. We will keep her family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.