Sad News: Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei dies after ex-boyfriend set her on fire

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