NAIROBI: Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died of injuries sustained after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, the Ugandan athletics federation said on Thursday, the German news agency (dpa) reported.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence," a statement on X said.
"As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace."
Kenyan police said that her Kenyan partner doused her with petrol and then set her on fire on Sunday, allegedly after a dispute. He is being investigated on suspicion of attempted murder.
Neighbours extinguished the fire and brought the two to hospital in the city of Eldoret, where doctors were unable to save her life.
A hospital report is scheduled to be released later on Thursday.
According to the clinic, Cheptegei suffered burns on 80 per cent of her body and also inhaled flames, while her partner suffered 30 per cent burns.
Cheptegei, 33, finished 44th at last month's Olympic marathon in Paris. In 2021, she won the inaugural World Mountain and Trail Running Championship.– BERNAMA