Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Fire Attack

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Olympic runner from Uganda, died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during a domestic dispute over land. The attack occurred while Cheptegei was at church with her two daughters, aged nine and eleven, when Ndiema allegedly broke into her home, doused her in petrol, and ignited her. Both sustained severe burns, and Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries four days later, while Ndiema died shortly after from his own burns. Witnesses reported hearing the couple argue before the incident, and Cheptegei's daughter attempted to rescue her but was kicked away by Ndiema. The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed deep sorrow over Cheptegei's tragic death, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the region. This incident has drawn attention to the alarming rate of violence against women in Kenya, with Cheptegei being the third elite female athlete killed there since 2021.