Uganda’s long-distance female athlete, Rebecca “Becky” Cheptegei has passed on in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia county.

The unfortunate event happened after the 33-year-old suffered third degree burns following a domestic brawl with the boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema.

It is reported that Ndiema allegedly poured petrol on the Olympian before lighting a fire in Endebess residence.

Both Cheptegei and Ndiema sustained deep burns and were initially taken to Kitale Level Four Hospital.

Later on, the duo was transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret town due to the severity of the injuries suffered.

“We call for justice to prevail on what happened to my daughter” Joseph Cheptegei, the father of the deceased was quoted by the media a day before her desmise.

Cheptegei participated in the 10,000M and women’s marathon during the 2024 Olympics in Paris city.

She completed the women’s marathon in the 44th position with a timing of 2:32:14, while her compatriots Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat finished 8th and 69th respectively.

Last year, Chepetegi clinched silver at the Padova women’s marathon in Italy.

President of Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has expressed deep sympathy about the loss of Cheptegei and condemned the violence against women gender.

“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious 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 has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure” Dr. Rukare posted.

Other messages of sympathy have been sent to the immediate family of Cheptegei and the Uganda Athletics Federation.

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