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Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, revealed that the two had been in a long-standing dispute over her land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia
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Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, has tragically passed away after suffering severe burns in a horrific attack allegedly carried out by her ex-boyfriend. Cheptegei, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, sustained burns to 80% of her body after being doused with petrol and set on fire during a violent altercation at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
The attack occurred on Sunday, and Cheptegei was immediately rushed to the intensive care unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Despite doctors' efforts, Dr. Owen Menach, the facility's acting director, confirmed Cheptegei’s death late last night, citing complete organ failure.
"This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete," said Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He added that Cheptegei's legacy would endure and called on law enforcement to take swift action against the perpetrator.
Cheptegei won the World Mountain and Trail Running Championship
Kenyan police confirmed that Cheptegei was attacked at her home near the Ugandan border by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, who allegedly poured petrol on her and set her alight during an argument over land. Ndiema also sustained serious burns during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.
Cheptegei's sister breaks down in a press conference following the attack on the Olympic athlete
Police found a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burnt phone at the scene. The Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, said Ndiema had sneaked into Cheptegei’s compound while she and her children were at church. When Cheptegei returned, Ndiema initiated the attack, resulting in a heated argument heard by neighbors. One of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the horrific incident and tried to intervene but was kicked by Ndiema.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, revealed that the two had been in a long-standing dispute over her land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia. He confirmed that they had separated some time ago and that Cheptegei's two children were fathered by another man.
Rebecca's father Joseph Cheptegei, speaking earlier this week from hospital
The attack comes just weeks after Cheptegei placed 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics. Her death is a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the region, where several prominent athletes have recently fallen victim to brutal assaults.
The Uganda Athletics Federation also paid tribute to Cheptegei, condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice.
This incident bears chilling similarities to previous cases of violence against athletes, including the 2021 murder of Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, who was found stabbed to death in her home, allegedly by her husband. Tirop’s murder, and now Cheptegei’s death, highlight a troubling trend of domestic violence in the athletic community.
Record breaking Kenyan distance runner Agnes Tirop was found dead
According to a 2023 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 34% of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Authorities are under increasing pressure to address this pervasive issue and ensure justice for victims like Cheptegei.
From Agencies
