Caleb Adeleye

• Post By Caleb Adeleye
• 1 week ago

Rebecca Cheptegei, a marathon runner who competed for Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has died days after she was set on fire, allegedly by her boyfriend.

Cheptegei, 33, was left fighting for her life in hospital for burns on 75 per cent of her body following a disagreement with her boyfriend outside their house on Monday 2 September, police said.

Cheptegei was receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city in Kenya, where she trained.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, said that Cheptegei’s boyfriend bought a jerry can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze.

Cheptegei’s boyfriend also sustained burn wounds, although they are less severe, and is receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the many athletic training centres in the county.

A report filed by the local authorities stated that Cheptegei and her boyfriend were heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started.

An investigation into Cheptegei’s death is underway.