NAIROBI, Kenya - Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, has tragically passed away at a Kenyan hospital where she was receiving treatment following a horrific incident of domestic violence. The athlete suffered severe burns to 80% of her body in an attack orchestrated by her partner. The shocking incident has prompted calls for action against gender-based violence and justice for the victim.

Rebecca Cheptegei, a long-distance runner who recently competed in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, was admitted to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city. Sadly, her organs failed, leading to her untimely death. Despite being fully sedated upon admission, she was unable to overcome the extensive injuries sustained in the heinous act of violence.

Expressing his grief, Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca's father, described his daughter as a supportive and loving individual. He expressed concern about the whereabouts of the perpetrator, stating, "As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer, and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing. He is still free and might even flee."

According to the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the perpetrator, identified as Dickson Ndiema, had purchased gasoline and used it to set Rebecca ablaze during a heated disagreement on Sunday. Ndiema, who also sustained burns, is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital. His condition is described as improving and stable, with burns covering 30% of his body.

The attack is believed to have been precipitated by a dispute over land, as Rebecca had purchased property in Trans Nzoia to be closer to Kenya's renowned athletic training centers. A report filed by the local chief indicated that the couple had been arguing about the land where Rebecca's house was located before the tragic incident occurred.

The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its profound sadness at the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice. Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare described the attack as a "cowardly and senseless act" that claimed the life of a remarkable athlete.

Kenya's Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen vowed to take action and ensure justice for the victim. Murkomen emphasized the need to combat gender-based violence, stating, "This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles."

Uganda's First Lady, Janet Museveni, expressed deep distress at Rebecca's death, particularly highlighting the gravely disturbing nature of her demise due to domestic violence. The tragic incident adds to a concerning list of deaths within the athletic community, including the murder of Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat in 2023 and the strangulation of Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee in 2022.

Kenya, known for its high rates of violence against women, has witnessed public demonstrations against gender-based violence this year. Shocking statistics reveal that four in ten dating or married Kenyan women, estimated to be 41%, have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by their current or most recent partner, according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022.

As the world mourns the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, advocates are urging authorities to enhance efforts to prevent domestic violence and ensure that justice is served, not just for her, but for all victims of gender-based violence.