By Lerte Tellah – Nairobi
Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan athlete who recently competed in the 10,000-meter race at the Paris Olympics, has passed away after succumbing to severe burn injuries sustained in a brutal attack by her Kenyan boyfriend in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. She died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, where she had been receiving treatment in the ICU.
Cheptegei was attacked on Monday, reportedly doused with petrol, and set on fire by her boyfriend, who also sustained serious burns in the incident. The MTRH Acting Director, Dr. Owen Menach, confirmed that Cheptegei passed away last night after suffering multiple organ failure due to the extensive burns that covered 75% of her body.
“We deeply regret to confirm that Rebecca Cheptegei has died after all her organs failed. Despite all our efforts, her injuries were too severe,” Dr. Menach stated.
The attack occurred at Cheptegei’s home in Trans Nzoia, where she had been residing during her training. The athlete was initially admitted to Kitale Level Four Hospital but was later transferred to MTRH due to the severity of her injuries. Her parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, who had been in Uganda at the time, rushed back to Kenya upon hearing the tragic news.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for swift justice within the athletics community and beyond. Authorities in Trans Nzoia are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack to uncover the motive behind the horrific act.
Rebecca Cheptegei, originally from Cheminy in Uganda, had made significant strides in her athletic career and had purchased land in Trans Nzoia, where she built a house to support her training. Her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many who admired her dedication, resilience, and talent.
