- Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died at 33 after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya
- Cheptegei suffered severe burns on over 75% of her body due to the horrific attack
- Her death highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence against female athletes in Kenya
- Current and former athletes have set up the ‘Tirop’s Angels’ foundation to combat domestic violence
- Cheptegei’s passing is a devastating loss for Uganda and the athletics community
Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, has tragically passed away at the age of 33 after sustaining severe burns on over 75% of her body. The devastating attack, which occurred in Kenya where Cheptegei lived and trained, has sent shockwaves through the athletic community and beyond.
Quick Facts
| Name | Rebecca Cheptegei |
| Age | 33 |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Sport | Marathon |
| Olympics | Paris 2024 |
| Cause of Death | Severe burns from boyfriend’s attack |
According to police reports, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, poured petrol on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement over land where their house was built. The couple was heard arguing before the fire started, which left Cheptegei with life-threatening injuries.
Cheptegei’s death is the latest in a string of attacks on female athletes in Kenya, highlighting the alarming issue of gender-based violence in the country. In 2021, rising star Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home with stab wounds, while in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua was strangled.
Tirop’s death led to the creation of the non-profit charity foundation ‘Tirop’s Angels’ by current and former athletes, aimed at combating domestic violence against women and girls. The organization has condemned Cheptegei’s murder and called for swift justice.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed deep sadness over Cheptegei’s passing, describing her as a victim of domestic violence. Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympics Committee, called her death a “cowardly and senseless act”.
FAQs
Q. What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei?
A. Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died at the age of 33 after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, sustaining severe burns on over 75% of her body.
Q. Why is Cheptegei’s death significant?
A. Cheptegei’s death is significant because it highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence against female athletes in Kenya, with her case being the latest in a series of attacks.
Q. What is being done to combat domestic violence against female athletes?
A. Current and former athletes have set up the ‘Tirop’s Angels’ foundation to combat domestic violence against women and girls in Kenya, following the death of Agnes Tirop in 2021.
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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by 247 News Around The World
