Former boyfriend of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who set her on fire, has died

The former boyfriend of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who set her on fire in a deadly attack, has died from burns sustained during the incident. Dickson Ndiema, who ambushed Cheptegei as she returned home from church, doused her with petrol and set her ablaze in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. Local authorities reported that the two had been in conflict over a small piece of land. Ndiema died in the intensive care unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted with over 30% burns.

Cheptegei, 33, died from 80% burns four days after the attack. Neighbours recalled hearing screams as the athlete ran toward them seeking help. Dr. Owen Menach from Moi Hospital confirmed Ndiema's death, stating, "It's true he has died from the burn injuries."

The attack has shocked many, with Cheptegei being the third female athlete killed by an intimate partner in Kenya in recent years. In 2021, world-record holder Agnes Tirop was fatally stabbed, and six months later, athlete Damaris Mutua was strangled. Cheptegei, who represented Uganda in the Paris Olympics, was described as a "champion" by those in her home region. She will be buried at her ancestral home in Bukwo, Uganda.