Suspected perpetrator dies after arson attack on Cheptegi

Following a fatal attack on Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, the suspected perpetrator has also died.

During the arson attack on the 33-year-old, her former partner also suffered such severe burns that he succumbed to his injuries on Monday. This was announced by the hospital treating him in western Kenya on Tuesday.

Cheptegei was admitted on September 1 with serious injuries after she was doused with gasoline and set on fire.

Previously, there was apparently an argument between her and her partner over a piece of land, among other things. Four days later, the athlete succumbed to her injuries. The police launched an investigation into attempted murder.

Cheptegei finished 44th in the women's marathon at the Olympic Games in Paris in August. Before that, the athlete finished 14th at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, among others.