Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei died days after her ex-boyfriend doused her with gasoline and set her on fireplace, officers mentioned.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in Paris, suffered in depth burns after Sunday’s assault, in accordance with the physician who handled her.
Authorities in northwestern Kenya, the place Cheptegei lives and trains, mentioned she was focused after returning dwelling from church.
A report filed by native directors mentioned the athlete and her ex-partner had been preventing over a bit of land. Police mentioned the investigation is ongoing.
There are considerations over rising instances of violence in opposition to feminine athletes in Kenya, with a number of incidents leading to dying.
“We’re deeply saddened to announce the dying early this morning of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically turned a sufferer of home violence. As a federation we condemn such conduct and name for justice. Could her soul relaxation in peace. The Uganda Athletics Federation said in a post on.
The household has not confirmed her dying, however Dr. Owen Menach, director of Moi Educating and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the place she was admitted, informed native media that the athlete died on account of failure of all her organs.
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend was additionally taken to the hospital, however suffered minor burns.
“The couple was heard arguing exterior the home. Native media quoted native police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosim as saying that throughout the argument, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the lady after which throwing her Burn to dying.
Ms Cheptegei, who hails from the border area of Uganda, is claimed to have purchased land and constructed a home in Tran Nzoa County, near Kenya’s many sports activities coaching centres.
“This was a cowardly and silly act that resulted within the lack of a terrific athlete. Her legacy will stay on.” President of the Uganda Olympic Committee Donald Rukare said on X Day.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, informed reporters earlier this week that he “needed justice for my daughter,” including that he had by no means seen such inhumane conduct in his life.
Cheptegei completed forty fourth within the current Paris Olympic Marathon.
She additionally received a gold medal on the 2022 World Mountain and Path Operating Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Two years in the past, East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua had been killed, and their companions had been recognized by authorities as the primary suspects in each instances.
Tirop’s husband is dealing with homicide costs, which he denies, whereas the hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.
