Uganda’s long-distance runner Rebecca "Becky" Cheptegei has tragically passed away in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County.

The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to injuries sustained during a domestic altercation with her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema last Sunday.

According to reports, Ndiema allegedly doused Cheptegei in petrol before setting her on fire at their residence in Endebess.

Both Cheptegei and Ndiema suffered severe third-degree burns and were initially treated at Kitale Level Four Hospital.

Police said 75% of her body was burnt.

Due to the critical nature of their injuries, they were later transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret for specialised care.

Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and called for justice in the wake of his daughter’s death. “We call for justice to prevail for what happened to my daughter,” he told the media just a day before her passing.

Cheptegei was a well-known athlete, having represented Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She competed in the 10,000m and the women’s marathon, finishing the marathon in 44th place with a time of 2:32:14.

Her compatriots Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat finished 8th and 69th, respectively. In 2023, Cheptegei had also secured a silver medal at the Padova Women’s Marathon in Italy, further cementing her status as a top athlete.

Dr Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), expressed his deep sorrow over Cheptegei’s untimely death and condemned the act of violence. “We have learned of the heartbreaking passing of our Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women. This cowardly and senseless act has robbed us of a great athlete, but her legacy will endure,” Dr Rukare said in a statement as quoted by Kowowo sports.

Messages of condolence have poured in from across the sporting world, with tributes to Cheptegei's family and the Uganda Athletics Federation. Many have called for justice and an end to gender-based violence, highlighting the tragic circumstances of her death.