Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan long-distance runner, tragically passed away after a brutal attack in which she was set on fire by a former partner.
Cheptegei recently gained international recognition by competing in the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the marathon. She had just returned to Uganda from this global event.
On Sunday, September 1, after attending church with her two daughters, she was assaulted in her home in western Trans Nzoia County.
Authorities have identified her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, as the attacker. He reportedly doused her in petrol before igniting it.
Cheptegei sustained burns covering 75 percent of her body and was immediately hospitalized. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead earlier today, September 5.
Dr. Owen Menach, the head of the hospital, confirmed her passing to the local media. The Ugandan Athletics Federation also shared the news on Twitter.
One of Cheptegei’s daughters, whose name has not been disclosed, recounted the attack to local media.
In an interview with Kenya’s The Standard, she described witnessing the assault: “He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.
“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbor who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible.”
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, labeled the attacker as ‘an animal’ and revealed that his daughter had been tormented by him for months.
Joseph mentioned that Cheptegei and Ndiema had been in conflict over her land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia, prior to the attack.
He told The Star: “They were just friends and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter.”
Joseph also clarified the nature of the relationship between his daughter and her attacker, as well as the details of the incident.
“I wish to state that my wounded daughter is married and her husband is in Uganda. Her attacker was a friend they met in Kenya and my daughter trusted him.
“They fell out recently but the suspect sneaked into her compound on Sunday afternoon, armed with five litres of petrol and hid in a poultry house.
“Rebecca was outside the house when the suspect appeared and immediately poured petrol on her before lighting the fire.
“My daughter called for help by asking her sister who was in the home to bring a blanket to put off the fire but the suspect who was armed with a machete chased her away and Rebecca burnt.”
Joseph is now seeking justice for his daughter.
Police have launched an investigation into Cheptegei’s death. Reports indicate that Ndiema also sustained serious burns and is currently receiving medical treatment.