OLYMPIC runner Rebecca Cheptegei’s ex Dickson Ndiema who allegedly burned her to death is in intensive care with 30 per cent burns.
The Ugandan athlete, 33, died after her former partner snuck into her home and allegedly set her on fire – causing horror burns on over 75 per cent of her body, local media reported.
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Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Tuesday that Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her alight during an argument on Sunday.
He reportedly entered her home while she and her two children were at church.
As he allegedly set her alight using a matchstick he was also engulfed by the flames and rushed to hospital, Nation Africa reports.
Now the alleged perpetrator has been named as Dickson Ndiema who is recovering from burn injuries he sustained in the heinous attack.
He apparently has 30 per cent burns, Menach reports.
One of Cheptegei’s own daughters is said to have seen the deadly assault at her mum’s home, it’s reported.
She told Kenya’s The Standard: “He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.
“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible.”
According to local media, the attack was launched after Ndiema allegedly snuck into her compound while she and her children were at church.
He was allegedly armed with petrol and poured it on the athlete before setting her alight with a matchstick.
In the process he too was engulfed by the flames, Nation Africa reports.
This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure
Donald Rukare
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke from hospital with his other daughter before she died and told local media that the pair were fighting over her land prior to the alleged attack.
He also confirmed to Kenyan newspaper The Star that his daughter’s two children are not fathered by the alleged attacker.
Mr Cheptegei also claimed that she and her ex-partner, who he alleges have been separated for a long time, are involved in a case being investigated by Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Cheptegei was rescued by neighbours after the horrific incident in her town of Endebess.
She then spent days in critical condition at an Intensive Care Unit in Eldoret city’s Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, western Kenya.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X on Thursday morning: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”
Inside Rebecca Cheptegei’s athletic career
BY Ellie Doughty, Foreign News Reporter
Rebecca Cheptegei, who has died aged 33, was a Ugandan cross country, long distance and marathon runner.
She had represented Uganda at global competitions since 2010 including the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and World Athletics Championships.
Cheptegei most recently competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s marathon race.
She finished in 44th place.
According to local reports, Cheptegei had two children.
She had recently moved to Trans Nzoia County to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training facilities.
Cheptegei was a cross country, long distance and marathon runner who competed globally and most recently finished 44th in the Paris 2024 Olympics Women’s Marathon race.
People on X paid tribute to the athlete, writing “RIP” and “May her soul rest in peace”.
One woman added: “So so sad, watched her race many times.”
Another wrote: “Dear Ugandans, and to her family, we are sorry. This is heartbreaking.”
The president of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Donald Rukare said in a post on X today: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.
“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
The UOC is urging local law enforcement to “take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice”.
The pro runner finished 44th in the marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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