Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being attacked with petrol by her boyfriend

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died after her boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her on fire.

The Ugandan marathon runner, who finished 44th at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was undergoing treatment for burns covering 75% of her body in an attack in her home.

Cheptegei was being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Hospital spokesman Owen Menach confirmed her death on Thursday.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom said on Monday that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought a canister of petrol on Sunday, poured it on it and set it on fire.

Ndiema also suffered burns and was treated at the same hospital.

The Uganda Athletics Federation said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegea, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.

“As a federation, we condemn such acts and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, said: “We have learned of the sad death of our Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei… as a result of a brutal attack by her boyfriend.

“May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will live on.”

Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to the numerous sports training centres in the district.

(This story is being updated)