Ugandan Olympic athlete dies after being severely burned by her partner over land dispute

Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died in a Kenyan hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for burns covering 80% of her body after being attacked by her partner. She was only 33 years old.

The death of Cheptegei was confirmed today by Owen Menach, a spokesperson for the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Menach stated that the long-distance runner died in the early morning due to organ failure. She had been completely sedated since being admitted.

Cheptegei had competed in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th, less than a month before the attack. According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom on Monday, Cheptegei's partner, Dickson Ndiema, purchased a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and set her alight during an argument on Sunday. Ndiema also suffered burns and is being treated at the same hospital.

Menach said that Ndiema is still in intensive care with 30% burns, but his condition is "improving and stable." Cheptegei's parents stated that their daughter had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to the many athletic training centers in the county. A report submitted by a local chief indicated that the two had argued over the land where their house was located before the fire.

The Uganda Athletics Federation mourned Cheptegei on social media platform X, writing: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unfortunate demise of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei this morning, who unfortunately was a victim of domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn this act and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.” Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, called the attack a "cowardly and senseless act that has led to the demise of a great athlete."

If you need help, you can call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counseling Service hotline at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).