Media Wire Express Correspondent
The former partner of Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, Dickson Ndiema has died from severe burn injuries sustained in an attack on Cheptegei at her home in Trans Nzoia.
Ndiema passed away on Monday night at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, just days after Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries at the same hospital.
The tragic incident occurred when Ndiema reportedly doused Cheptegei in petrol and set her on fire during an altercation. Cheptegei sustained burns to over 80% of her body, while Ndiema was also severely injured, suffering burns to 30% of his body. Both were admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but despite the medical efforts, Cheptegei died a week earlier, and Ndiema succumbed shortly after.
The hospital confirmed Ndiema’s death, marking the end of a deeply disturbing domestic violence case that has shocked both Uganda and Kenya. Ndiema had been in critical condition since the attack, but his injuries proved too severe to survive.
Cheptegei, a national marathon champion and member of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), represented Uganda at various international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. She will be laid to rest with full military honors on Saturday, September 14, in Bukwo District, Uganda.
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Her funeral will include a post-mortem scheduled for September 11, after which her body will be handed to her family and the UPDF for burial arrangements.
The athlete’s death has sparked grief in both countries, particularly in the Sabaot community, from which she hailed. Cheptegei’s outstanding career included a national marathon record and participation in major global competitions such as the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.
Her family, together with the Ugandan athletics community, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the enormous loss not only to her family but to the nation and the sport of athletics.
