Police failed us, says family of murdered Ugandan athlete Cheptegei

The family of the late Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, has blamed Kenya police for not acting swiftly to save their daughter, who was not at peace for months before meeting her death.

While confirming the death of her daughter in a media briefing at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, Joseph Cheptegei, on Thursday said that they complained to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation in Trans Nzoia County early enough concerning her safety.

He said that it was unfortunate that her daughter, who was a family pillar, had been killed by someone known to her.

He said that there was a time when Rebecca was ferrying some personal things to Uganda and her ex-boyfriend followed her all the way and they filed a report at Endebes Police Station in Trans Nzoia County.

“On my side, the government agencies failed because we reported early enough on her security because 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,” said the devastated father.

“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.”

Cheptegei went on to narrate how her daughter supported the family, especially those who are still learning, saying that their lives have now been turned upside down and they don’t know what to do.

“We now 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, thanking the doctors for trying to save her daughter’s life.

According to Dr Kimani Mbugua, who is the Head of the Department Theatre and Critical Unit, Cheptegei passed on early Thursday despite the critical care she received at the hospital.

The doctor added that she had a severe percentage of burns, which led to multi-organ failures including the kidney and the heart.

He said that it was a multi-specialty effort where plastic surgeons, ICU doctors, physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and physiotherapists, and the main thing was to save her life.

“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. We had a family debriefing and we explained to them what the whole process we did was to try and save the patient's life,” said Dr. Mbugua.

Her training mate, James Kirwa, based at the same camp at Kapkoros, Bukwo District in Uganda, said athletes were devastated by the news because they knew Cheptegei as a humble athlete.

“It is sad we have lost our sister in such a manner. She was a hardworking athlete and that was evident when we used to train together. I talked to her after the Olympic Games and she was in high spirits and was looking forward to getting back to training,” said Kirwa.

Trans Nzoia Deputy County Commander Salesio Murithi said the athlete and her parents had filed a report against her ex-partner, which was been handled by the Directorate Criminal Investigation (DCI).

He said the complaint revolved around land dispute. 

“The matter was been investigated by DCI and due to what has happened, we are going to wait for the patient to recuperate so that we can charge him on what he did once the investigations are over,” said Murithi.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in his condolence said that he was saddened by the tragic loss of the Ugandan marathoner.

"Rebecca was an outstanding athlete who showcased the spirit of resilience in representing Uganda and East Africa 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 in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles.

“As a government, we remain committed to supporting justice for Rebecca. No one should have to go through such an ordeal. May her soul rest in peace,” read the statement.

Also at the hospital to condole with the family were her compatriots Stella Chesang and Immaculate Chemtai.