Athlete Cheptegei's family blames police for failing to protect her before tragic death

The family of the late Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has now blamed police officers for failing to act swiftly to safeguard her before her tragic death.

Cheptegei succumbed to burn injuries on Wednesday night, which she sustained after she was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-partner.

Speaking to the press at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca's father, expressed frustration over the lack of timely intervention by police, despite multiple warnings.

“On my side, the government agencies failed because we reported early enough on her security. This man used to follow her even up to the Uganda side, but they didn't act swiftly. It was evident her life was in danger,” he said.

He revealed that her daughter had previously reported her ex-boyfriend’s disturbing behaviour to the Endebes Police Station in Trans Nzoia County, after he trailed her to Uganda.

“Even last Friday, we made the same complaint, but unfortunately, he doused my daughter with petrol, and she is dead. The government should now act though it is too late,” he said.

“Some officers sided with the ex-boyfriend when the issues came up, and I will blame them for the death of my daughter. The government needs to investigate that issue.”

The late athlete’s father lamented the impact of Rebecca’s death on their family, as she had been their primary source of support.

“We don't know what to do but we are asking for support because she used to support the family through her career. We are at a big loss and the government should take action against this man,” he said.

Trans Nzoia Deputy County Commander Salesio Murithi noted that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is handling the case.

Murithi explained that the dispute involved land issues in Kinyoro, and with Rebecca's death, the incident has now been classified as a murder case and investigations will continue.

“The matter was under investigation. We are going to wait for the patient to recuperate so that we can charge him for what he did once the investigations are over,” Murithi said.

Dr. Kimani Mbugua, Head of the Department of Theatre and Critical Care, detailed that Cheptegei suffered severe burns leading to multi-organ failure.

“We want to pass our condolences to the family, the country, and the whole world because the patient was an international athlete and known all over,” he said.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also expressed his condolences, and called on the need for increased efforts to address gender-based violence in society.

“Rebecca was an outstanding athlete who showcased the spirit of resilience. Her passing is not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community but to the entire region. This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles. No one should have to go through such an ordeal,” Murkomen said.

Uganda Sports Minister Peter Ogwang praised the Kenyan government for its support and confirmed that it would cover Rebecca's medical expenses.

“I want to thank the Kenyan government for the support they gave the athletes after the unfortunate incident happened. We have lost a great athlete who was hard-working,” Ogwang said.

Cheptegei previously represented Uganda in the Paris Olympic Games, finishing 44th in the women’s marathon. She held the Ugandan women's marathon record of 2:22:47 set in the Abu Dhabi Marathon in the United Arab Emirates on December, 17, 2022.