In a tragic turn of events, Dickson Ndiema, the man accused of setting Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei on fire, has died from injuries he sustained in the attack. Ndiema passed away on Monday night at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. This is the same hospital where Cheptegei was treated before her death last Thursday.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated marathon runner, was the victim of a horrifying attack that left her with 80% burns. Ndiema, her former partner, was allegedly responsible for the attack. Reports indicate that Ndiema bought a can of petrol, poured it on Cheptegei, and ignited it. The couple had reportedly been in a heated dispute over a piece of land where Cheptegei lived.
Ndiema, who suffered 30% burns in the same incident, was admitted to the same hospital as Cheptegei. According to a hospital spokesperson, Ndiema’s condition worsened, leading to his death on Monday.
Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, was a prominent athlete who recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place. Born near the Kenya-Uganda border, Cheptegei chose to represent Uganda in international competitions. She was also a member of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
Her parents revealed that Ndiema had been stalking and threatening Cheptegei for some time. The family had reported these threats to the police, who were treating the case as a murder.
Cheptegei’s death has sparked widespread shock and sadness within the sports community. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressed deep sorrow at the news. “Rebecca’s participation in the Paris 2024 women’s marathon was a source of inspiration, pride, and joy,” Bach said.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation also paid tribute to Cheptegei, condemning the attack and calling for justice. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the federation stated in a message on X.
Donald Rukare, the chief of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, described the attack as a “cowardly and senseless act” that robbed the world of a great athlete. “Her legacy will continue to endure,” Rukare added.
Rebecca Cheptegei is set to be buried in her ancestral hometown in Uganda this Saturday. The funeral will be held with military honours, reflecting her status as a member of the UPDF.
This tragic incident highlights the severe issue of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, even those in the public eye. Cheptegei’s case is a reminder of the need for greater support systems and intervention for victims of domestic abuse.
The attack also raises questions about the effectiveness of protective measures for individuals facing threats from former partners. Despite Cheptegei’s previous reports to the police, the situation escalated to a fatal outcome.
