The tragic demise of the 33-year-old Ugandan athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who had graced the 2024 Paris Olympic stage, stunned the world as local reports confirmed her passing on Thursday, September 5, at the ungodly hour of 5 a.m. local time. Her life, which seemed to promise so much, was cruelly cut short by an act of domestic violence that has left her loved ones and the sporting community reeling in shock and grief.
Cheptegei, a talented distance runner, had her world shattered on September 1, when she was allegedly doused in gasoline and set ablaze by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, within the confines of her home in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya. The horror of that moment left her with devastating burns covering 75% of her body, as recounted by police sources to the Associated Press, BBC News, and ESPN.
Four days later, the heartbreaking news of her demise spread like wildfire through local media outlets like the Daily Nation, The Standard, and The Star. Dr. Owen Menach, the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, solemnly confirmed the athlete's passing, revealing that she succumbed to "full organ failure" around the same mournful hour.
The athlete's family member, Dr. Tony Sabila, added a personal touch to the confirmation, sharing with Nation Sport, "It is true that we lost our sister this morning, despite the heroic efforts of the doctors to save her life. I was there, witnessing the tragedy unfold."
The Uganda Athletics Federation, in a poignant tribute on X (formerly Twitter), lamented, "We are deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing of our cherished athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who fell victim to the scourge of domestic violence. As a federation, we vehemently condemn such heinous acts and call for justice to be served. May her soul find eternal peace."
The attack, which took place amidst a heated argument between Cheptegei and Ndiema, was recounted by Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom. "The couple's quarrel was audible outside their home," he told reporters, according to the BBC. "During the heated exchange, the boyfriend was witnessed pouring a flammable liquid on the woman before igniting it, engulfing her in flames."
Ndiema, too, suffered severe burns in the inferno, with both victims eventually rescued by neighbors and rushed to MTRH for specialized care. Reports suggest that the couple's dispute stemmed from disagreements over the land where their home stood, according to local police documents obtained by the AP.
Cheptegei's legacy lives on, having secured a commendable 44th place in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and having previously adorned herself with gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022. Her tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and underscores the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and justice.
