Uganda’s long-distance runner Rebecca “Becky” Cheptegei has tragically passed away in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County.
The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to injuries sustained during a domestic altercation with her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema last Sunday.
According to reports, Ndiema allegedly doused Cheptegei in petrol before setting her on fire at their residence in Endebess.
Both Cheptegei and Ndiema suffered severe third-degree burns and were initially treated at Kitale Level Four Hospital.
Police said 75% of her body was burnt.
Due to the critical nature of their injuries, they were later transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret for specialised care.
Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and called for justice in the wake of his daughter’s death. “We call for justice to prevail for what happened to my daughter,” he told the media just a day before her passing.
Cheptegei was a well-known athlete, having represented Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She competed in the 10,000m and the women’s marathon, finishing the marathon in 44th place with a time of 2:32:14.
Source: JoySports