Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on hearth by a former boyfriend, Ugandan official says.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in Paris, had suffered intensive 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 house from church.
A report filed by a neighborhood administrator alleged the athlete and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a chunk of land. Police say an investigation is underway.
There are considerations concerning the growing instances of violence in opposition to 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 mentioned in a put up 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, advised native media that the athlete had died in any case 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 her 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 instances by the authorities.
Tirop’s husband is at present dealing with homicide costs, which he denies, whereas a hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.
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