Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Brutal Attack by Boyfriend

Ugandan Olympic Athlete Dies After Brutal Attack by Boyfriend

Tragedy struck the sports world as Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, passed away at the age of 33 after a horrific attack by her boyfriend. The shocking incident took place in Cheptegei’s home in western Kenya, where she suffered severe burns that ultimately led to her death at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.

Dr. Owen Benach, the senior director of clinical services at the hospital, revealed that Cheptegei succumbed to multiple organ failure as a result of the extensive burns she sustained. The attack occurred when Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly set her on fire during an argument, leaving both of them with serious burn wounds.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom provided details of the tragic event, stating that Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei before igniting the flames. The altercation took place while Cheptegei and her children were at church, with Ndiema reportedly sneaking into the compound to carry out the heinous act.

Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, had relocated to Trans Nzoia County for training purposes. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and desire for justice for his daughter in the wake of the devastating loss.

The sports community mourns the untimely death of a talented athlete whose promising career was cut short by a senseless act of violence.