Ex-boyfriend of Rebecca Cheptegei dies after fire incident

Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, have both succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating petrol-fueled attack that has shocked the sporting world.

Cheptegei, who competed in cross-country and marathon events on the global stage, tragically passed away on September 4 after suffering severe burns across 75% of her body. The attack, which took place in north-west Kenya, was allegedly orchestrated by Ndiema after a heated argument over a piece of land.

Ndiema, who also sustained burns on 30% of his body during the brutal incident, passed away just days later in a hospital on Monday evening, Nation Africa reported. The attack has left a dark cloud over the Olympic community, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the globe, condemning violence against women and calling for justice.

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Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set ablaze by boyfriend

Marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei set on fire by boyfriend

According to reports, Ndiema snuck into Cheptegei’s home while she and her two children were attending church. When she returned, he allegedly doused her in petrol and set her alight. Tragically, the flames engulfed both Cheptegei and Ndiema, leading to their eventual deaths despite immediate hospitalization.

This senseless act of violence has shocked many, with Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare taking to social media to express grief: “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”

The story, rooted in personal conflict, highlights the broader issue of domestic violence, which has claimed yet another life—this time that of a beloved Olympian who represented her country with pride.