Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after her ex-boyfriend doused her with petrol and set her on fireplace, Ugandan authorities say.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who competed in Paris suffered intensive burns after Sunday's assault, based on the physician treating her.
Authorities in northwestern Kenya, the place Sepdeki lives and trains, mentioned he was focused after returning dwelling from church.
In a report filed by an area administrator, the athlete and his former accomplice allegedly had an argument over land. Police mentioned investigations are underway.
There are issues concerning the rising variety of circumstances of violence towards feminine athletes in Kenya, a lot of which have resulted in loss of life.
“We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing away early at the moment of our athlete Rebecca Septeji, a tragic sufferer of home violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and demand justice. Might her soul relaxation in peace.” The Uganda Athletics Federation mentioned in a submit on X.
The household is but to verify her loss of life, however the head of Moi Educating and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the place she was admitted, Dr Owen Menach, advised native media that the athlete died of organ failure.
Septeji's ex-boyfriend was additionally hospitalized – however with much less extreme burns. He’s nonetheless in intensive care, however his situation is “bettering and steady,” Dr. Menach mentioned.
“The couple heard a battle outdoors their home. In the course of the argument, the boyfriend was seen pouring liquid on the girl earlier than burning her,” native police chief Jeremiah Ole Koseyom was quoted as saying by native media.
Ms Sepdeki, who hails from an space throughout the border in Uganda, is claimed to have purchased a plot of land and constructed a home in Trans Nasoya County, near Kenya's many athletic coaching centres.
“It was a cowardly and silly act that led to the lack of an awesome athlete. His legacy will dwell on.” President of Uganda's Olympic Committee Donald Rugare mentioned in X.
Talking to reporters earlier within the week, her father, Joseph Septeki, mentioned he was praying for “justice for my daughter” and mentioned he had by no means seen such an inhuman act in his life.
Septegi completed forty fourth within the marathon on the current Paris Olympics.
He additionally received gold on the 2022 World Mountain and Path Working Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Her loss of life comes two years after the murders of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tropp and Damaris Mutua, whose accomplices have been recognized by authorities as prime suspects in each circumstances.
Thirop's husband is at present going through homicide costs, which he denies, whereas the hunt for Mutua's lover continues.