Sports
Sad News: Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei dies after ex-boyfriend set her on fire
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Ugandan 2024 Olympic medalist Rebecca Cheptegei has died this morning September 5, after she was set on fire by his ex-boyfriend four days ago in Kenya.
He poured kerosene on her and set her on fire.
Cheptegei, 33, suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body in Sunday’s brutal attack that was allegedly carried out by her ex-boyfriend, according to medical officials.
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei unfortunately passed on at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret where she was admitted at the ICU.
Cheptegei sustained serious burn injuries after her alleged partner (Dickson Ndiema) poured petrol on her and set her ablaze over a land dispute.
Dr Owen Menach, who oversaw Cheptegei’s treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, issued a statement shortly after her passing.
‘It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning after all organs failed at about 5am while we were doing our best to save her life,’ Menach said.
Dr Tony Sabila, a family member, confirmed he was by Cheptegei’s bedside at the time of her death.
‘It is true that we lost our sister this morning although the doctors tried to save her life and I was there personally,’ he said.
Kenyan police confirmed the runner was attacked at her house in western Trans Nzoia County, close to the Ugandan border, where she had recently relocated to be closer to superior Kenyan training facilities.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said her former partner Dickson Ndiema had bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement on Sunday.
Police discovered a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone at the scene of the incident, according to Kenyan newspaper The Nation.
A press release from the UOC bearing Rukare’s signature later urged law enforcement agencies ‘to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice’.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei in an interview said “We are in so much pain, We have lost our bread winner.”
Describing how he rushed to the hospital after receiving a call from doctors at 5:30 a.m., Mr.Cheptegei said he got there too late to say goodbye to his daughter, Rebecca Cheptegei.
In a message to sympathise with the bereaved family, Ugandan political activist, and former Member of Parliament, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine,
Bobi Wine noted,“Very saddened by the untimely passing of this young, talented Ugandan athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei. The circumstances of her death are even more depressing.
He called for a swift investigation saying “Initial reports indicate she was doused in petrol by her ex-boyfriend and set on fire. We hope there can be quick, efficient investigations of the incident and the perpetrator(s) brought to book. May her family and loved ones find comfort in this very difficult time.
The 33-year-old contested the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month. Two other female athletes have been killed in Kenya since October 2021, with their partners the main suspects.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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