Ugandan Olympian's Daughter Saw Mom's Boyfriend Set Her Ablaze; Marathoner Dies From 80% Burns

(Photo : Photo by FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images) (From L to R) Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru, Israel's Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, Uganda's Rebecca Cheptegei and Kenya's Selly Chepyego Kaptich compete in the women's marathon final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on August 26, 2023.

Ugandan Olympic marathon star Rebecca Cheptegei died after her ex-partner doused her with petrol and set her alight last Sunday. The 33-year-old athlete suffered burns at her home in Endebess in the western county of Trans-Nzoia, with police investigations revealing that her former partner, identified as Dickson Ndiema, was responsible for the assault.

Cheptegei was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Doctors said that she was in critical condition, suffering 80 percent burns.

"Her injuries were extensive and covered most parts of her body. It led to multiple organ failure," said Kimani Mbugua, head of the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, according to Channel News Asia. "We tried our best but we did not succeed. Looking at her age and the over 80 per cent burns she suffered, the hope of recovery was slim."

Cheptegei's Daughter Witnessed the Attack

According to reports, Kipyego allegedly torched Cheptegei's home, resulting in her tragic death. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the athletic community, with many of Cheptegei's colleagues and fans expressing their condolences and outrage on social media.

One of Cheptegei's daughters witnessed the assault and told Kenya's The Standard, "He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother. I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible."

A Planned Attack

Mzee Cheptegiei, the Olympian's father, clarified that the two are just friends and have met in Kenya. He also clarified that his daughter has a husband. He said that the two were reportedly fighting over fighting over her land at Endebes in Trans Nzoia.

"They were just friends and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter,' Cheptegei Snr told The Star.

He narrated: "The suspect sneaked into her compound on Sunday afternoon, armed with five liters of petrol, and hid in a poultry house. Rebecca was outside the house when the suspect appeared and immediately poured petrol on her before lighting the fire.My daughter called for help by asking her sister who was in the home to bring a blanket to put off the fire but the suspect who was armed with a machete chased her away and Rebecca burnt."

Cheptegei competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, in the women's marathon, finishing in 44th place. She's a national record holder for cross country, long-distance, and marathon in a non-mixed race.

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