Paris Olympian Dies After Being Set on Fire
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic athlete, has tragically passed away in a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns—80% of her body was burned—during an attack by her partner, Dickson Ndiema. Cheptegei was 33 years old and had recently competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place. The attack reportedly occurred during a domestic dispute over land. Cheptegei’s father expressed his hope for justice, noting that her attacker remains free. Ndiema is being treated for burns covering 30% of his body and is in stable condition. The incident has raised concerns about gender-based violence, prompting statements from Uganda’s sports authorities and Kenyan officials, calling for action against such violence within society. Cheptegei’s death has been met with widespread condemnation, highlighting the need for greater measures to combat domestic violence.
Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after 80 percent of her body was burned in an attack by her partner. She was 33.
The country’s sports minister said authorities must do more to combat gender-based violence.
A spokesperson at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei’s death on Thursday. Menach said the long-distance runner died early in the morning after her organs failed. She had been fully sedated on admission at the hospital.
Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack. She finished in 44th place.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told journalists at the hospital that he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and hopes to get justice.
“As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,” the father said. “He is still free and might even flee.”
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said Monday that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday. Ndiema was also burned and was being treated at the same hospital.
Menach said Ndiema was still in the intensive care unit with burns over 30 percent of his body, but was “improving and stable.”
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s many athletic training centers. A report filed by the local chief said the two were heard fighting over the land where her house was built before the attack.
The Uganda Athletics Federation eulogized Cheptegei on the social platform X, 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.”
Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare called the attack “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”
Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would ensure justice for the victim.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles,” he wrote in a statement.
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