Tragedy struck when Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was brutally attacked and set ablaze by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
The horrific incident occurred during a domestic dispute, with Ndiema pouring petrol on Cheptegei and igniting it, leaving her with severe burns covering 75% of her body.
According to authorities, the attack allegedly resulted from a disagreement over land ownership, which Cheptegei’s parents claim she had purchased to be closer to the region’s renowned athletic training centers.
Sadly, after Cheptegei was rushed to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, she died.
Uganda’s athletic federation announced Cheptegei’s passing in a statement on Thursday.
It reads, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace”.
Similarly, there were two recent incidents involving talented athletes.
In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was tragically found dead with fatal stab wounds.
Just a year prior, in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was discovered deceased, with a postmortem report revealing that she had been strangled.
These devastating incidents have shown that women irrespective of status are not exempted from domestic violence. Women at large need greater protection and support.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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