Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya, following a brutal attack by her estranged boyfriend. The 33-year-old athlete, who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries on Thursday after battling for her life for several days.
Cheptegei sustained severe burns over 80% of her body after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, identified as Dickson Ndiema, on Sunday. According to Trans Nzoia Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Koisiom, Ndiema bought a jerrican of petrol and poured it on Cheptegei before igniting the fire. The suspect also suffered burns in the attack and is currently under police custody while receiving medical treatment.
The incident took place in Chumeek village, Kinyoro, Trans Nzoia County. Local authorities and the area chief have reported that Cheptegei and her boyfriend had been fighting over the ownership of a piece of land where their house was built. The land dispute is believed to have sparked the tragic confrontation. Cheptegei’s parents confirmed that the athlete had purchased land to be near a training centre for athletes.
Uganda’s Athletics Federation released a statement earlier this week condemning the attack and expressing their sorrow over the loss of their athlete. “We regret to announce that our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics, has passed away after sustaining severe injuries,” the statement read. “This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting her on fire.”
At the scene of the tragedy, police officers recovered a five-litre jerrican containing petrol and a mobile phone believed to belong to Ndiema. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
READ MORE: CAUSE OF ATTACK ON UGANDAN ATHLETE REBECCA CHEPTEGEI REVEALED
Cheptegei’s death is the latest in a series of tragic incidents involving athletes in East Africa. She had recently competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 48th in her event. Her passing has left the athletic community in mourning, with many calling for justice and stronger protections for athletes.