Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies in Arson Attack

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during an argument over land ownership. The attack occurred on September 1 in Kenya, leaving Cheptegei with 80% burns; she succumbed to her injuries days later. Ndiema, who also sustained severe burns and was hospitalized, died shortly after her from injuries sustained during the assault. This incident has drawn attention to the pervasive issue of domestic violence in East Africa, with calls for heightened awareness and action. Cheptegei, a former soldier and accomplished marathon runner, represented Uganda and had recently competed in the Paris Olympics. Her death marks the third killing of an elite female athlete in Kenya since 2021, highlighting a troubling trend of gender-based violence.