By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, 33-year-old Rebecca Cheptegei, has eventually died after sustaining severe burns in an alleged fire attack by her ex-lover.
Newstracktoday reports that according to Daily Mail, the incident occurred at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, where she had recently moved to access better training facilities.
Cheptegei sustained burns on 80% of her body after being doused in petrol and set on fire.
Doctors tried to stabilise Cheptegei when she was taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya.
She sadly passed away from her wounds late last night, according to acting hospital director Dr. Owen Menach. “Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed,” Menach told the press.
The attack reportedly took place during a dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, over land.
According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Ndiema sneaked into Cheptegei’s home while she was at church with her children.
“Upon her return, he allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze. Police found a five-litre Jerry can, a bag, and a burnt phone at the scene.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, revealed that the couple had been separated for some time and were involved in a legal dispute.
He expressed disbelief over the attack, stating, “They were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter.”
He also mentioned that Cheptegei’s two children are fathered by another man living in Uganda.
One of Cheptegei’s daughters reportedly witnessed the attack and tried to intervene. “He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother,” the girl told Kenyan media. A neighbour attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful.
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) expressed its sorrow over Cheptegei’s death. “We have learned of the sad passing of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” UOC President Donald Rukare posted on X. The UOC also called for swift justice in a press release.
The Uganda Athletics Federation also condemned the attack, stating, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.”
The horrific event comes after a string of vicious assaults on female athletes in the region. Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was also discovered dead under strange circumstances in 2022. In 2021, Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop was found dead at home after being stabbed. Ibrahim Rotich, Tirop’s husband, is presently on trial for her murder, a charge he denies.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the region.
