Suspected Killer of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies

Eldoret, Kenya – Dickson Ndiema, the man accused of setting Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei on fire, leading to her death, has succumbed to his injuries. Ndiema, who was admitted to a hospital in Eldoret with severe burn wounds, passed away on Monday night.

The incident occurred in Trans Nzoia, western Kenya, where Ndiema allegedly attacked Cheptegei at her home over a land dispute. He ambushed the marathoner as she returned home, dousing her with petrol and setting her alight. Despite Cheptegei’s efforts to save her life, her attacker continued to douse her with more petrol.

Cheptegei sustained severe burns, covering more than 80% of her body, and was treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Ndiema also suffered significant burns, with over 30% of his body affected.

Cheptegei, 33, will be laid to rest in Uganda on Saturday. Her death has sparked renewed attention on domestic violence in Kenya, particularly within the country’s running community.

Rights groups have highlighted the vulnerability of female athletes in Kenya, who are often at risk of exploitation and violence. Many international runners train in the country’s high-altitude highlands, and their substantial prize money can attract individuals seeking financial gain.

Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, a support group for survivors of domestic violence in Kenya’s athletic community, expressed disappointment over Ndiema’s death. She noted that justice would have been served if he had faced the consequences of his actions.

Cheptoo co-founded Tirop’s Angels in memory of Agnes Tirop, another Kenyan athlete who was tragically murdered in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is facing charges for her murder and has pleaded not guilty.

According to government data from 2022, nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence. Married women are particularly at risk, with 41% of them reporting violence. Globally, a woman is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes, according to a 2023 UN Women study.