Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei died days after her ex-boyfriend doused her with petrol and set her on fire.
The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in the recent Paris Olympics, suffered extensive burns following Sunday’s attack.
Authorities in northwestern Kenya, where Cheptegei lives and trains, said she was targeted after returning home from church.
A report filed by local administrators said the athlete and her ex-partner had been fighting over a piece of land. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
There are concerns over rising cases of violence against female athletes in Kenya. Cheptegei is the third person to die since October 2021.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters outside the hospital where she was being treated that he had lost a “very supportive” daughter and asked the Kenyan government to ensure justice was served.
Dr Owen Menach, director of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, told local media that the athlete died after all his organs failed.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the death early this morning of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically became a victim of domestic violence. As a federation we condemn such behavior and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace. The Uganda Athletics Federation posted on.
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend was also taken to the hospital, but suffered minor burns. Dr. Menachi said he remains in intensive care but his condition is “improving and stable.”
“The couple was heard arguing outside the house. Local media quoted local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosim as saying that during the argument, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman and then throwing her Burn to death.
Ms Cheptegei, who hails from the border region of Uganda, is said to have bought land and built a house in Tran Nzoa County, close to Kenya’s many sports training centres.
“This was a cowardly and foolish act that resulted in the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will live on,” President of the Uganda Olympic Committee Donald Rukare said.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters earlier this week that he “wanted justice for my daughter,” adding that he had never seen such inhumane behavior in his life.
Cheptegei finished 44th in the recent Paris Olympic Marathon.
She also won a gold medal at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Her death follows the killings of East African athletes Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Damaris Mutua the following year, whose partners were identified by authorities as The main suspect in the case.
Tirop’s husband is facing murder charges, which he denies, while the hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.