Rebecca Cheptegei died from her burns at just 33-years-old
Photos of the man accused of setting fire to Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei have been shared for the first time since she was attacked.
Cheptegei, 33, died after suffering extensive burns in the attack which took place on Sunday (September 1), just weeks after she competed at Paris 2024.
According to authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived, the Olympian was targeted after she returned home from church with her two daughters.
Rebecca Cheptegei competing in Paris 2024 (Jiang Qiming/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Dr Kimani Mbugua, a consultant at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, said Cheptegei’s ‘severe’ burns led to multiple organ failure, which ultimately resulted in her death.
Her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, is accused of being responsible for the attack, and was also admitted to hospital with burns.
His condition was described as ‘improving and stable’.
As tributes continue to flood in for Cheptegei, the first images of Ndiema have come to light.
Taken from social media, one photo shows Ndiema looking at the camera while dressed in a beige jacket with an American flag embroidered on the front.
Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, has alleged Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei before setting fire to her.
Images of Ndiema have been shared from social media (Facebook)
According to the Kenyan newspaper The Standard, he said: “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.
“The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.”
Cheptegei has been remembered as ‘very supportive’ by her father, Joseph Cheptegei, who also expressed concerns for her children’s futures in the wake of her death.
Uganda’s athletics federation also paid tribute to Cheptegei in a post on Twitter, saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”
Rebecca Cheptegei died after suffering burns on 80 percent of her body (Getty/China News Service)
Donald Rukare, the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, also condemned the move as he posted: “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
Joseph has called for justice in the case, criticizing the fact that Ndiema is ‘still free’ after the attack. Police have said an investigation into Cheptegei’s passing is underway.
Kenya’s sports minister has also called for authorities to do more generally to combat gender-based violence. In 2022, a national survey revealed that at least 34 percent of women in Kenya said they had experienced physical violence.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.
Featured Image Credit: Getty/China News Service/Getty/FERENC ISZA
