Ex-Partner Dies from Burns After Setting Rebecca Cheptegei Ablaze, Case Now Closed
In a shocking series of events, Dickson Ndiema, the former boyfriend who brutally killed Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei by setting her on fire, has died from burns sustained in the attack. The incident occurred in Trans Nzoia county, Kenya, where Ndiema ambushed Cheptegei with petrol as she returned from church.
Cheptegei, 33, who suffered burns to over 80% of her body, died four days after the attack. Ndiema, who sustained burns on more than 40% of his body after the fire spread to him, succumbed to his injuries on Monday night despite efforts by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital to save him.
Hospital officials confirmed that Ndiema developed respiratory failure due to severe airway burns and sepsis. His death has resulted in the dropping of criminal charges, with an inquest into the deaths of both Ndiema and Cheptegei now set to be opened.
The two had reportedly been in conflict over a small piece of land, which authorities suspect led to the fatal confrontation.
Cheptegei’s death has sent shockwaves across the athletics community, especially in Uganda, where she was hailed as an inspiration. The Olympian had competed in the 2024 Paris Games and won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand last year.
Her tragic death is the latest in a disturbing trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya. She is the third female athlete to be murdered by a partner in recent years, following the high-profile killings of world-record holder Agnes Tirop in 2021 and athlete Damaris Mutua in 2022.
“We wanted him to face justice as an example to stop these attacks on women,”
said Beatrice Ayikoru, secretary-general of the Uganda Olympic Committee.
Cheptegei will be laid to rest on Saturday in Bukwo, Uganda, as activists and officials alike call for stronger action to address the growing violence against women in Kenya.
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