Petrol attack: How Rebecca Cheptegei, Olympic athlete, got murdered by jealous lover

Ugandan Olympic athlete, Miss Rebecca Cheptegei, has died in a Kenyan hospital after suffering 80% burns from an attack by her boyfriend Dickson Ndiema, in an incident believed to be spurred by jealousy.

Miss Cheptegei, 33, reportedly died on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

She was receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret before she gave up.

Authorities in north-west Kenya reported that Cheptegei was attacked after she returned home from church, where she lived and trained.

Donald Rukare, president of Uganda Olympics Committee gave its condolence in a post on X.

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

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”

‘As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice.

“May her soul rest In Peace,” Rukare said.

The family has not yet confirmed her death, but Dr. Owen Menach shared the news of her death with local media.

Dr. Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, stated the athlete died after all her organs failed.

Rebecca’s death

Ms. Cheptegei bought land in Trans Nzoia County and built a house near Kenya’s athletic training centers.

Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom reported that witnesses heard the couple arguing over the land before the fire broke out.

He said: “The couple was heard quarreling outside their house.

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

“The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.”

The hospital admitted Ndiema, where he received treatment for less severe burns, alongside Rebecca.

Although still in intensive care, his condition is “improving and stable,” said Dr. Menach.

Earlier this week, her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters he prayed “for justice for my daughter.”

He added he had never witnessed such an inhumane act.

Rebecca’s achievements

Last month Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics.

She also came out in 14th position in the event at last year’s world championships in Budapest.

In 2022, she won a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.

Concerns are growing over the rise in violence against female athletes in Kenya, with several incidents tragically leading to death.

Rebecca’s death follows the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua by two years.

Authorities identified Agnes and Damaris’s partners as the main suspects in their deaths.

Agnes’ husband currently faces murder charges, which he denies, while authorities continue searching for Mutua’s boyfriend.

About Uganda

Uganda, officially known as the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country located in East Africa.

It shares borders with Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south.

The southern part of Uganda includes a significant portion of Lake Victoria, which Kenya and Tanzania also share.

Here are some key facts about Uganda:

Capital and Largest City: Kampala

Population: Approximately 49 million people as of 2024.

Official Languages: English and Swahili.

Government: Unitary presidential republic under a dominant-party authoritarian state.

Current President: Yoweri Museveni.

Major Religions: Christianity (84.4%) and Islam (13.7%).

Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).

Uganda boasts a diverse range of ethnic groups and a rich cultural heritage.

The country has a varied equatorial climate and is part of the African Great Lakes region, lying within the Nile basin.

The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with coffee being one of its main exports.

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