Ugandan Olympian Dies After Being Set on Fire by Boyfriend

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically died from severe injuries inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, who set her alight.

Cheptegei, 33, sustained burns over 80 percent of her body during the brutal attack on Sunday, according to medical officials. She was admitted to the intensive care unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but Dr. Owen Menach, the acting director of the facility, confirmed her death late Tuesday night, September 3.

The attack occurred just weeks after Cheptegei competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place. Kenyan police reported that the assault took place at her residence in western Trans Nzoia County, near the Ugandan border, where she had moved to access better training facilities.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom stated that her former partner, Dickson Ndiema, had purchased petrol, poured it over Cheptegei, and set her on fire during a dispute. Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, mentioned that the couple had been arguing over land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia, shortly before the attack.

Joseph Cheptegei expressed confusion over why Ndiema, whom he claims was separated from his daughter for some time, would act in such a violent manner. He also noted that Cheptegei’s two children are fathered by another man residing in Uganda.

According to both Joseph Cheptegei and Police Commander Kosiom, Ndiema managed to enter the house while Cheptegei and her children were at church. Upon their return, Ndiema allegedly began dousing Cheptegei with petrol and setting her on fire. Witnesses reported hearing the couple arguing before the fire started, and Ndiema was also burned during the incident.

Ndiema was admitted to the same hospital with 30 percent burns. Reports indicate that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the attack and tried to seek help, but was unsuccessful in extinguishing the flames.