The doctor attending to the 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who participated in the race in Paris, reported that she had sustained severe burns following the attack on Sunday.
Cheptegei lived and trained in north-west Kenya; according to the local authorities, she was attacked just after leaving church.
The sportswoman and her ex-partner allegedly fought over a plot of land, according to a report submitted by a municipal official. According to police, an investigation is ongoing.
The rising number of violent incidents against female athletes in Kenya, some of which have been fatal, is a cause for concern.
“We regret to inform you of our athlete, Rebecca’s, demise.
We, the Federation, denounce these actions and demand justice. The Ugandan sports federation wrote on X, “May her soul rest in peace.”
Dr. Owen Menach, the director of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where the athlete was treated, told local media that the athlete passed away after all of her organs failed. The athlete’s family has not officially confirmed her death.
The ex-boyfriend of Hepegei was also hospitalized, although his burns weren’t as bad. Although he remains in critical care, Dr. Menach stated that his condition was “improving and stable.”.
