Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei's Life Cut Short in Alleged Domestic Violence

Rebecca Cheptegei

Ugandan Athlete Burned to Death by Boyfriend

Dickson Ndiema, Rebecca Cheptegei's boyfriend, has been identified as the...

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after alleged arson attack by boyfriend, echoing similar incidents of violence against female athletes in Kenya.

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being allegedly set on fire by her boyfriend. The 33-year-old, who resided in Kenya, had represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the women's marathon event.

According to local authorities, the horrific incident occurred on Sunday in western Trans Nzoia County, Nairobi, where Cheptegei was attacked while returning home from church. She was doused in petrol and set ablaze, suffering severe burns on 80% of her body.

Cheptegei was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City for treatment, but unfortunately, her injuries proved fatal.

Dickson Ndiema, Rebecca Cheptegei's boyfriend, has been identified as the prime suspect in the alleged arson attack. Ndiema also sustained burns in the incident and was hospitalized, although his injuries were less severe.

According to a report filed by the local chief, the couple had been embroiled in a dispute over a land ownership issue, which is believed to have led to the tragic events.

The Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) confirmed Cheptegei's passing on Thursday, condemning the incident as a case of domestic violence. The UAF has called for justice to be served in the matter.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the tweet reads.

“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

The tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei bears a chilling resemblance to the 2021 murder of Kenyan athlete Agnes Tirop, who was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. Tirop's husband was named as the prime suspect in the case.

In another eerily similar incident, Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in a house in Iten in 2022. Her boyfriend was also identified as a suspect in the investigation.

The cases highlight a disturbing trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya, sparking concerns about the safety and well-being of women in the country.