Olympic marathon runner dies in hospital days after being 'set on fire by boyfriend'

Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after an alleged petrol attack by her former boyfriend at her home in Kenya.

According to local news reports, Cheptegei, 33, had been doused in petrol and set alight by her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema outside her home in the Trans Nzoia County of Kenya.

A local police report added that Cheptegei had returned home after attending church with her children on Sunday (1 September) when Ndiema confronted her. The couple were said to be arguing over a piece of land when her ex-partner allegedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her alight.

"The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house," local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said in a statement.

"During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."

It's reported that neighbours had rushed to the scene to help extinguish the flames before Cheptegei was taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital with 75% burns, where Dr Owen Menach confirmed her passing to local media.

"Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed," he told Kenyan press (via BBC).

Ndiema was also admitted to hospital with less extensive burns. A police investigation into her death is currently underway.

Cheptegei had begun her career as a marathon runner back in 2010, finishing 14th at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. She had also competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, representing Uganda in the women's marathon where she finished in 44th place.

The Ugandan Athletics Federation has now shared a tribute to Cheptegei on social media, writing: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace."

"May her soul RIP, Condolence to the Family, Atheletics Community and Ugandans," one user replied to the post, while another added: "Dear Ugandans, and to her family, we are sorry. This is heartbreaking."

BREAKING NEWS💔💔
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE

— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024

Meanwhile Kenyan newspaper The Standard has reportedly spoken to one of Cheptegei's daughters who witnessed the attack and tried to intervene.

"He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother," the girl, who has not been named, is quoted as saying (via Metro).

"I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible."

Cheptegei's father Joseph Cheptegei has also spoken out other the attack, telling reporters earlier in the week that he was praying 'for justice for [his] daughter'.