It is news that went out today, September 05, 2024, saying that 33-year-old Rebecca Cheptegei died at Moi Hospital in Eldoret City, Kenya, after four days of illness.
She passed away after being attacked by her ex-boyfriend on Sunday, September 1, 2024, who doused her with petrol and burned her all over. He was leaving prayer with his two daughters.
In the report given by the chief of Cheptegei where he lived, it is said that the two died on the land, while the Police announced that the investigation is ongoing, to find out the exact cause.
Rebecca Cheptegei's father, Joseph Cheptegei, told the media that he was devastated by the death of his daughter, as he was the breadwinner of the family. She added that she is wondering how her two children, one who is 13 years old and the other who is 12 years old, will continue their education.
The Uganda Athletics Federation in a message through X said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of our player, Rebecca Cheptegei, due to violence. As a federation, we demand justice for Cheptegei we condemn such acts and her soul may he rest in peace."
The Minister of Sports in Uganda, Peter Ogwang, announced that arrangements are being made to take Cheptegei's body to Uganda for a dignified burial.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rebecca Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon. Rebecca won a gold medal at the 2022 International Mountain Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Cheptegei's death comes on the heels of the murders of fellow East African actress Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Damaris Mutua in 2022, who were also believed to have been ex-lovers.
