Cheptegei, 33, passed away after suffering severe burns in an attack that occurred on Sunday, September 1, just weeks after she competed in Paris 2024.
Authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei resided, reported that the Olympian was attacked after returning home from church with her two daughters
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Dr. Kimani Mbugua, a consultant at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, confirmed that Cheptegei’s extensive burns led to multiple organ failure, ultimately causing her death.
Her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, is accused of the attack and was also hospitalized with burns, but his condition is described as “improving and stable.”
As tributes pour in for Cheptegei, images of Ndiema have emerged, with one photo from social media showing him wearing a beige jacket with an American flag embroidered on the front.
Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, alleged that Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei before setting her on fire. He added that during a quarrel outside their house, Ndiema was seen pouring a liquid on her before igniting the flames. Ndiema was also injured in the fire.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, remembered her as “very supportive” and voiced concerns for her children’s future after the tragedy. He has also called for justice, expressing frustration that Ndiema remains free after the attack.
Uganda’s athletics federation and the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, Donald Rukare, both paid tribute to Cheptegei, condemning the act of violence and honoring her legacy.
Kenya’s sports minister has also urged authorities to take stronger action against gender-based violence, highlighting a 2022 survey that revealed 34 percent of women in Kenya had experienced physical violence.