She died at 5:30 a.m. (local time) from multiple organ failure, the hospital said. “We did everything we could,” said Kimani Mbugua, one of the doctors treating her. Most of the runner’s organs had stopped working due to the injuries.
Accusations against police
Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete’s father, spoke of a “terrible death”. He accused the police of failing to protect his daughter from her partner, who she had already felt threatened by before the crime. “We contacted the police and the security authorities, but they did not react quickly enough to save our daughter,” he complained. “If they had acted quickly enough, my daughter would still be alive.”
The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed the athlete’s death on the platform X (formerly Twitter) and condemned the violence that Cheptegei fell victim to. Donald Rukare, President of the Ugandan Olympic Committee, spoke on X of a “cowardly and senseless act that led to the death of a great athlete. We strongly condemn violence against women.”
Dispute over land as trigger
According to police, Cheptegei’s partner poured petrol on her and set her on fire. The 33-year-old was treated for severe burns in Eldoret hospital after the incident on Sunday. According to the hospital, Cheptegei suffered burns on 80 percent of her body surface in the attack.
There had apparently been an argument between the two about a piece of land, among other things. The partner was also caught in the flames. Neighbors put out the fire and took both of them to the hospital. The police are investigating the man for attempted murder.
In recent months, there have been repeated femicides in Kenya, shaking the East African country. At the beginning of the year, thousands of people demonstrated across the country against gender-based violence.
ePaper
Tragic Death of Ugandan Athlete: A Senseless Act of Violence Against Women
The international athletic community is in mourning following the tragic death of Ugandan athlete, Cheptegei, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal attack by her partner. The 33-year-old athlete, who was a promising talent in the world of track and field, died on Sunday morning at Eldoret Hospital in Kenya, where she was being treated for severe burns.
Fatal Injuries and Multiple Organ Failure
According to hospital officials, Cheptegei died at 5:30 a.m. local time due to multiple organ failure. The doctors treating her revealed that most of her organs had stopped functioning due to the severity of her injuries. The athlete had suffered burns on 80% of her body surface, which was too extensive for her body to recover from.
Accusations Against the Police
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, has accused the police of failing to protect his daughter from her partner, who she had previously reported to the authorities for threatening behavior. “We contacted the police and the security authorities, but they did not react quickly enough to save our daughter,” Joseph lamented. “If they had acted quickly enough, my daughter would still be alive.” The Ugandan Athletics Federation and the Ugandan Olympic Committee have also condemned the violence against Cheptegei, calling it a ”cowardly and senseless act.”
Dispute Over Land Triggers Attack
According to police investigations, the attack on Cheptegei was triggered by a dispute over a piece of land between the athlete and her partner. The partner allegedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her on fire, resulting in severe burns. Neighbors who witnessed the incident put out the fire and rushed both Cheptegei and her partner to the hospital. The police are currently investigating the partner for attempted murder.
Rise in Femicides in Kenya
Cheptegei’s tragic death comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a rising number of femicides. In recent months, there have been several high-profile cases of women being brutally murdered by their partners or family members. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from the public, with many calling for greater action to be taken to protect women from gender-based violence.
A Call to Action
The death of Cheptegei is a stark reminder of the reality of gender-based violence in Kenya and around the world. It is a call to action for governments, civil society, and individuals to take a stand against this scourge and work towards creating a safer and more just society for all. As the world mourns the loss of this talented athlete, we must also reflect on the need for greater awareness, education, and prevention of gender-based violence.
Keywords: Cheptegei, Ugandan athlete, femicide, gender-based violence, Kenya, attempted murder, police investigation, Athletics Federation, Olympic Committee.
Meta Description: Ugandan athlete Cheptegei dies after being set on fire by her partner in a brutal attack. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation, highlighting the need for greater action to be taken to protect women from gender-based violence.
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H1: Tragic Death of Ugandan Athlete: A Senseless Act of Violence Against Women
H2: Accusations Against the Police
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* H2: A Call to Action
