Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fireplace by a former boyfriend, Ugandan official says.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in Paris, had suffered in depth burns after Sunday’s assault, the physician treating her had mentioned.
The authorities in north-west Kenya, the place Cheptegei lived and skilled, mentioned she was focused after returning residence from church.
A report filed by an area administrator alleged the athlete and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a bit of land. Police say an investigation is underneath means.
There are issues in regards to the rising circumstances of violence towards feminine athletes in Kenya, a number of of which have resulted in loss of life.
“We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell sufferer to home violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and name for justice. Could her soul relaxation In Peace,” Uganda’s athletics federation said in a post on X.
The household is but to substantiate her loss of life however Dr Owen Menach, the pinnacle of Moi Instructing and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the place she had been admitted, instructed native media that the athlete had died in spite of everything her organs failed.
Cheptegei’s former boyfriend was additionally admitted to the hospital – however with much less extreme burns.
Speaking to reporters, earlier within the week Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, mentioned that he prayed “for justice for my daughter”, including that he had by no means seen such an inhumane act in his life.
Her loss of life comes two years after the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, with their companions recognized as the primary suspects in each circumstances by the authorities.
Tirop’s husband is at present going through homicide expenses, which he denies, whereas a hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.
