Marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegai died on September 4 after her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire over a land dispute in Endebess, western Kenya. The athlete who represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics weeks before the attack reportedly suffered over 75% burns. The incident happened on September 1, Sunday, while she was returning from church with her children. Local police are investigating the issue.
Rebecca Cheptegai Case: What Happened?
Dr Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where Cheptegai had been admitted, told local media that the athlete died after all her organs failed. The Ugandan Athletics Federation also reported the tragic news of her death on social media.
Authorities said that 33-year-old Cheptegai was allegedly set ablaze by Ndiema during an argument over the land over which their home in Trans Nzoia County was built. Police Commander, Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told BBC, "The couple were also heard quarrelling outside their house."
Kosiom added, "During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.” Reportedly, Ndiema was also caught on fire. The pair was rescued by neighbours and transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in the nearby city of Eldoret.
Kosiom told The Standard, “[Ndiema] is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2 p.m. on Sunday (September 1) while the wife and the children were in Church. Upon returning, Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before he set her ablaze."
Cheptegai's father, Joseph, demanded justice, adding that he had never seen such an inhumane act in his life. Donald Rukare, head of Uganda's Olympic committee, said on X, "This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."
Violence Against Sportswomen In Kenya
Uganda's Cheptegai had been living in Kenya with Ndiema for her training. According to reports, her case mirrors the several incidents of violence against sportswomen in the latter country. In recent times, several cases of domestic violence and attacks on female athletes have been reported.
In October 2021, Agnes Tirop-- a two-time medallist who also finished fourth in the 5,000m at the Tokyo Olympics-- was found stabbed to death in Iten. In April 2022, Damaris Mutua, who competed for Bahrain, was found strangled with a pillow over her face in the same Kenyan town.
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