Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after ‘boyfriend set her on fire’

Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan athlete, has died days after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire. 

Cheptegei, who lived in Kenya, represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the women’s marathon event.

According to local authorities, the 33-year-old was doused in petrol and set ablaze while she was returning to her house from church in western Trans Nzoia County, Nairobi, on Sunday.

Cheptegei suffered burns on 80 percent of her body and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City.

Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, was identified as the suspect, and he was also admitted to the hospital for less critical burn from the incident.

A report filed by the local chief said the two have been fighting over a piece of land.

Confirming Cheptegei’s death on Thursday, the Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) described the athlete as a victim of “domestic violence” and called for justice.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the tweet reads.

“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

The death comes three years after Kenya’s Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten in 2021. The husband of the 25-year-old was also named the suspect in the murder.

In 2022, Damaris Mutua, another Kenyan-born athlete, was found dead in a house in Iten, and her then-boyfriend was also identified as a suspect.