Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after she was allegedly set on fire by her partner.
Cheptegei represented Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Games.
The 33-year-old mother of two died in hospital following the alleged attack outside her home in Kenya.
Peak body World Athletics said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by her death.
Context
Cheptegei died in hospital three days after reportedly being attacked by her partner earlier this week.
It comes less than a month after she finished 44th in the women’s Olympic marathon on 11 August in Paris.
Cheptegei’s death is the latest in a string of alleged gender-based attacks on female athletes in Kenya.
In 2021, long-distance Olympian Agnes Tirop was fatally stabbed at her Kenya home.
Her husband is awaiting trial on murder charges.
The following year, Kenyan runner Damaris Muthee Mutua was allegedly strangled to death by her partner.
The man is believed to be in hiding from police.
Response
The Ugandan Government said that Cheptegei’s death is “not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community but to the entire region.”
Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the tragedy serves as a “stark reminder” of the Government’s responsibility to combat gender-based violence.
Murkomen said the Government is committed to ensuring justice is served for Cheptegei.
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) called for “swift and decisive action” against the alleged perpetrator for his “cowardly and deplorable actions.”
UOC President Donald Rukare condemned the “vicious attack” and said Cheptegei’s “legacy will continue to endure.”
Kenya’s Olympic Committee echoed calls to end gender-based violence and said Cheptegei’s “talent and perseverance” will be remembered and celebrated.
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