Key Takeaways
- Kenyan Distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei was set ablaze by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.
- Dickson and Rebecca argued over the land that Rebecca bought in Trans Nzoia.
- Cheptegei and Ndiema sustained severe burns and received specialized treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The recent horrific incident involving a Kenyan distance runner who finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rebecca Cheptegei, has sent shockwaves through the sporting community and beyond.
On September 1st, 2024, Cheptegei was brutally attacked and set ablaze by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in Trans Nzoia County.
The attack was reportedly premeditated, as Ndiema had allegedly purchased a five-liter jerry can of petrol before the incident.
Witnesses reported that the couple argued outside the home, during which Dickson brutally attacked her and set her on fire.
Cheptegei and Ndiema were rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for emergency treatment.
Rebecca sustained severe injuries from the fire, affecting 80% of her body, while Dickson was also affected, with 30% of his body sustaining burns.
The athlete’s parents revealed that she had recently purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to the region’s renowned athletic training centers.
According to local police, the couple had been arguing over the land on which their home was built, leading to the fatal altercation. The incident has highlighted the pervasive issue of domestic violence, particularly against women in Kenya.
The Ugandan Olympic Committee President, Donald Rukare, has strongly condemned the attack, calling for an end to violence against women.
He supported Cheptegei and urged the public to unite against such brutality.
The Kenyan government has taken notice of the tragedy and launched an investigation led by Sports PS Peter Tum.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cheptegui was born on Feb. 22, 1991, and grew up in Cheminy, Uganda, an East African nation.
- Rebecca is a married mother of two daughters, ages 9 and 11, and their father lives in Uganda.
- She’s been competing professionally in distance races since 2010.
