Man Responsible for Fatally Burning Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies in Hospital

Eldoret, Kenya — Dickson Ndiema, the man accused of fatally burning Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, died on September 9 from injuries sustained during the attack. The incident occurred on September 1 when Ndiema, reportedly Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend, doused her with gasoline and set her on fire during an argument over land. Some of the gasoline ignited on Ndiema, causing him to suffer severe burns.

Cheptegei, 33, sustained burns over 75% of her body and died on September 5 due to organ failure. Ndiema, who had burns over 30% of his body, succumbed to his injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where both were treated.

The tragic incident unfolded after Cheptegei returned home from church with her children and was confronted by Ndiema, who had hidden on her property. A heated argument escalated, resulting in the fatal attack. Cheptegei called for help from her sister, but Ndiema, armed with a machete, chased her away before setting the Olympian on fire.

The two were scheduled to appear in court over a land dispute, and prior reports had been made to the police regarding Ndiema’s physical abuse of Cheptegei. However, no action had been taken.

Cheptegei recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2023 World Championships, earning widespread admiration for her athletic achievements. Her death has sparked an outcry for justice, with tributes pouring in from the International Olympic Committee and Uganda’s athletics community.

Authorities have condemned the attack, and calls for greater action to address domestic violence in Kenya have intensified following the case.