Rebecca Cheptegei’s attacker dies in hospital

By Jabali Media

The man who doused Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei in petrol before setting her ablaze is dead.  

Dickson Ndiema, an ex-partner of the Ugandan athlete died on Monday night while undergoing treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. 

He died days after Cheptegei succumbed to arson injuries at the same health facility.

Ndiema is accused of dousing petrol on Cheptegei after an unresolved argument, and setting her on fire, in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County on Sunday, August 25, 2024.  

Cheptegei sustained over 80 percent burns, while Ndiema suffered more than 30 percent burns.  

Cheptegei, who succumbed to burn injuries on September 5, 2024, was part of the Uganda Marathon team that participated in the recently concluded 2024 Paris, France Olympics.   

Cheptegei’s family confirmed that she was a member of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), and will receive full military honours.

She will be accorded a military funeral on Saturday, with Kenyan and Uganda officials expected to attend her final journey in Bukwo, Eastern Uganda.