Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei succumbs to burn injuries from ex-boyfriend’s attack

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has succumbed to burn injuries after a horrific attack by her ex-boyfriend, who doused her in gasoline and set her ablaze.

She passed away at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret where she was admitted at the ICU.

The acting director of MTRH, Dr Owen Menach, announced that she died after all of her vital organs failed.

“It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning after all her organs failed at about 5 a.m while we were doing our best to save her life,” said Dr Menach.

The 33 year old Ugandan athlete who competed in the Paris marathon sustained 80 percent burn injuries after Sunday’s attack. Given the extensive nature of her burns, she was placed in an incubator, fully sedated, and was breathing through a ventilator.

The Uganda Athlete Federation through a post on their X account, condoled the marathoner, further condemning such acts of domestic violence.

“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,” read the post.

Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema, who sustained 30 percent burn injuries during the attack, was hospitalised with minor burns at the same hospital.

The tragic incident occurred when Cheptegei and her children had returned home from church, when her ex-boyfriend Ndiema broke in with a five-liter jerrican full of petrol only to set her ablaze in front of her daughters.

“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,” one of the daughters narrated.

The attack is believed to be related to an ongoing land dispute in Kinyoro, Trans Nzoia West, where Cheptegei lived.
Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete’s father, said that the pair had a case under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which was looking into their ongoing disagreements. He has since called for thorough investigations into the incident.  

The athlete has left behind two children whose father is a different person living in Uganda.

Her death comes two years after the tragic deaths of her fellow athletes, Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, whose partners authorities have named as the primary suspects.

Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, which he has denied.

Authorities are still searching for Mutua’s boyfriend, who is believed to be involved in her death.

Cheptegei represented Uganda in the women’s 42 km marathon in Paris Olympics and finished in the 44th position. In 2022, she won gold at the 2021 world mountain and trail running championship in Thailand.