Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei’s alleged killer dies

A man accused of setting Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei on fire has died from burns sustained during the attack.

Dickson Ndiema, the alleged perpetrator, passed away at the Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where he was being treated for burns covering 30% of his body.

Cheptegei, who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries last Thursday, with 80% of her body burned.

The attack was reportedly sparked by a land dispute between Cheptegei and Ndiema, who was also her former boyfriend.

Cheptegei competing at the recently concluded Olympics in Paris

According to Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, Ndiema had been stalking and threatening his daughter and the family had informed the police.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the athletic community and beyond, with many calling for justice for the slain Olympian.

*Calls for justice:

Cheptegei’s parents have demanded justice, and her father has expressed concern that Ndiema’s death may compromise the investigation. “We want justice for Rebecca, our daughter,” Joseph Cheptegei said. “We want to know why this happened and who else was involved.”

The incident has also raised concerns about gender-based violence and the safety of women in Uganda. “This is a tragic reminder of the violence and discrimination that women face every day,” said a spokesperson for the Ugandan Women’s Network. “We demand action from the authorities to ensure that women are protected and that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Burial

The athlete is set to be buried in Uganda on Saturday. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from the athletic community, with many remembering her as a talented and dedicated athlete.

Uganda mourns Cheptegei

The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) confirmed Cheptegei’s passing, with President Dominic Otuchet expressing profound sadness and condemning the act. “We are deeply saddened about the passing of Cheptegei. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice,” Otuchet said.

Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, also shared her grief, describing the news as “deeply disturbing.” Athletics supporter Mary Murungi told Xinhua, “It’s very hurting that she has died in very stupid circumstances. We pray for her soul.”

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang expressed sorrow, saying, “We mourn with the family about the death of Cheptegei. Kenyan authorities are investigating the circumstances under which she died, and a more detailed report will be provided in due course.”

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