Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away, days after suffering severe injuries when her former boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The 25-year-old, a talented long-distance runner, was a rising star in the athletic world. Despite receiving medical treatment for her burns, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries
The Ugandan Olympian was in intensive care at a Kenyan hospital after being doused in petrol and set on fire, allegedly by her partner. The 33-year-old long-distance runner was assaulted in her home in Trans-Nzoia, Kenya, while she was at church with her children.
Her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, reportedly sneaked into the house, poured petrol on her, and set her ablaze.
Both Cheptegei and Marangach sustained severe burns and were rescued by neighbors, later being transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Cheptegei remained in critical condition with severe facial burns.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed its deep concern over the attack, calling it a severe case of gender-based violence. Cheptegei’s parents traveled from Uganda to visit her. As per local media reports, she suffered burns to 75% of her body.
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This horrific incident adds to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in the region, following other tragic cases involving female athletes in East Africa.
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