Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic athlete, has tragically passed away after being set on fire by her former boyfriend in western Kenya.
The 33-year-old marathon runner had been training in the area before the horrifying attack, which occurred at her home in Endebess.
The incident took place on a Sunday when Cheptegei was returning home from church with her two children.
According to local police, a quarrel between Cheptegei and her boyfriend escalated, leading to him allegedly dousing her with petrol and setting her on fire. Neighbors rushed to her aid, but despite their efforts and her being taken for medical treatment, the burns she sustained were extensive.
The boyfriend, who also suffered burns during the attack, is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The two had reportedly been in a dispute over the land Cheptegei had purchased and built her house on.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, is calling for justice for his daughter, as the community mourns the loss of a promising athlete.
Rebecca Cheptegei recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place.
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