The former boyfriend of Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, has died from severe burns sustained in the attack that led to her tragic death.
Dickson Ndiema, who ambushed and set Cheptegei on fire with petrol, passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted with burns covering over 40% of his body.
Ndiema attacked Cheptegei as she returned from church more than a week ago in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The two had been in conflict over a small piece of land where Cheptegei lived and trained.
During the attack, he doused the athlete with petrol, and while setting her alight, some of the fuel spilled onto his own body, resulting in burns that contributed to his eventual death on Monday evening. According to hospital officials, Ndiema developed respiratory failure due to severe airway burns and sepsis, despite efforts to save him.
Cheptegei, who suffered burns on more than 80% of her body, passed away four days after the attack. Witnesses reported hearing her screams as she ran for help, but the extent of her injuries was too severe for her survival.
The murder case against Ndiema has now been dropped following his death. Instead, an inquest will be opened to investigate the deaths of both individuals. Authorities had initially named Ndiema as the prime suspect in what was being treated as a murder case.
Cheptegei’s death has drawn shock and sadness from around the world. At 33, she had recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and had also won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Originally from the Kenyan side of the Kenya-Uganda border, she moved to Uganda to pursue her athletic dreams after struggling to gain recognition in Kenya. Her community in Bukwo, Uganda, where she will be laid to rest on Saturday, remembers her as a champion despite her struggles.