Ugandan Olympic athlete dies after being burned alive by boyfriend, authorities say

An Olympic marathon runner who police say was burned alive by her boyfriend over a land dispute died Thursday at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated.

Rebecca Cheptegei was 33 years old.

Moi Teaching Hospital in Eldoret confirmed her death. Hospital spokesman Owen Menach said she died early in the morning after organ failure. She was completely anaesthetised upon admission to the hospital. She suffered burns over about 80 per cent of her body.

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Rebecca Cheptegei (UGA) runs during the women's marathon at the 23 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca's father, said he felt wronged when speaking to reporters and hoped for justice.

“As things stand, the criminal who hurt my daughter is a murderer and I have not yet seen what the security forces are doing,” her father said. “He is still free and could even escape.”

Dickson Ndiema was accused of setting Cheptegei on fire. Police said he bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her alight over a disagreement. He was also burned in the incident and was treated at the same hospital but his condition is improving and stable, authorities said.

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Rebecca Cheptegei competes in the Discovery 10km road race in Kapchorwa, Uganda on Friday, January 20, 2023. (AP Photo)

According to a police report, the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire broke out. Cheptegei bought land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county's many sports training centres, his parents said.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, tragically a victim of domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the Uganda Athletics Federation said.

Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare called the alleged attack “a cowardly and senseless act that led to the loss of a great athlete.”

Rebecca Cheptegei participated in the marathon at the Paris Olympics.

From left, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (ISR), Tsehay Gemechu (ETH), Rebecca Cheptegei (UGA) and Keira D'Amato (USA) run during the Budapest 23 Women's Marathon of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on August 26, 2023. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

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In 2022, Cheptegei won the Padua Marathon and finished second in the 10,000 metres race at the Uganda Championships. She then finished fourth in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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