Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei tragically passed away on Thursday, just days after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya. The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered burns covering over 75% of her body following the attack on Sunday.
Cheptegei was the third prominent female athlete to be killed in Kenya since 2021, raising concerns over the increasing violence against women in sports. The incident took place in Eldoret, Kenya, where she was hospitalized before succumbing to her injuries.
Ugandan Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare expressed deep sorrow over Cheptegei's death, condemning violence against women. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen called it a "stark reminder" of the urgent need to address gender-based violence.
The tragic incident highlights a broader issue of violence against women in the region, with Kenyan government data showing that nearly 34% of women aged 15-49 have faced physical violence. The attack on Cheptegei, reportedly related to a property dispute, echoes past violence, including the 2021 murder of Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop by her husband.
Cheptegei is survived by her two children, and Ugandan authorities are calling for justice in her case.
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