Ugandan Olympian dies after she was set on fire by boyfriend

Ugandan Olympian dies after she was set on fire by boyfriend

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically died in Kenya, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend, according to Ugandan athletics officials.

The news of Cheptegei’s death has shocked the sports community, mourning the loss of a promising athlete.

Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, confirmed the news on X, describing the attack as a “cowardly and senseless act” that resulted in the loss of a great athlete.

He vowed that Cheptegei’s legacy would endure despite the tragedy.

READ ALSO:

• German police kill gunman near Israeli consulate in Munich
• NNPC supplies have 30m barrels of crude to Danogote
• 188 oil theft incidents recorded in one week, says NNPCL

Police reports indicate that Marangach, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, on Sunday.

This incident followed her recent participation in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th.

Cheptegei, who suffered burns on 80 percent of her body, had been receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya. According to medical staff, all her organs failed the night before her death.

Kenyan media reported that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault. The child recounted that she was kicked while trying to call for help, which led to a neighbor attempting to extinguish the flames with water.

Marangach was also injured in the incident, sustaining burns on 30 percent of his body.

 

Ugandan Olympian dies after she was set on fire by boyfriend