The Uganda Athletics Federation has confirmed the passing of Olympic marathoner, Rebecca Cheptegei, following injuries sustained after being set ablaze by her boyfriend in Kenya.
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| Rebecca Cheptegei |
UAF expressed deep sadness as it announced the “passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.”
Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, who represented her country, Uganda, at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, was attacked by her boyfriend in Kenya where she resides.
Her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, poured gasoline on her and set her on fire. She was rushed to hospital with various degree of injuries.
On September 3, 2024, UAF confirmed the “domestic violence” she suffered in the hands of her boyfriend, it wrote: “We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her.”
UAF called on the governments of Uganda and Kenya for justice in it condolences.
It wrote: “BREAKING NEWS
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.
Just few weeks you represented our Nation @Paris2024 in the women’s marathon race and the whole country was full of excitement and now today we weep for your painful demise. We are hoping for Justice as @GovUganda and the Kenyan government works this out. Rest well Rebecca.”
