Ex who burned Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei alive 'dies in hospital from burns he sustained during attack'

10 September 2024, 08:27 | Updated: 10 September 2024, 10:36

Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, received 75% burns after her partner poured petrol over her at home in Kenya.
Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, received 75% burns after her partner poured petrol over her at home in Kenya. Picture: alamy

By Asher McShane

The man who allegedly set fire to Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died from injuries sustained in the fatal attack.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Cheptegei suffered multiple organ failure last week after being set on fire and died in a hospital in Kenya days after sustaining 80% burns when her ex doused her in petrol and set her alight.

Her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema also received significant burns during the attack and was rushed to hospital.

Police said he would be detained when he had sufficiently recovered from his injuries.

But officials said this morning that Ndiema also succumbed to his injuries.

A statement read: “Dickson Ndiema Marangach has died from 30 per cent burns he sustained when he set his girlfriend Rebecca Cheptegei ablaze last week.

“The police believe he was burnt by the same petrol he used in setting Rebecca ablaze following a dispute over ownership of land one of them had bought.”

Rebecca had competed at this year's 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon.

The athlete was reportedly attacked after coming home from church to her property in Kenya's western Trans Nzoia County.

Cheptegei was taken to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, western Kenya, where she was placed into intensive care after suffering severe burns to her face, according to medical staff.

A police investigation has now been launched, Kenyan authorities have confirmed.

Cheptegei competing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest 2023
Cheptegei competing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest 2023. Picture: Getty

Kenyan hospital director, Dr Owen Menach, confirmed Cheptegei's death on Wednesday of multiple organ failure.

Speaking following the announcement, the Ugandan Athletics Federation posted: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.

Read more: Water company bosses could face jail time in new government crackdown

Read more: Four dead and nine injured in Georgia high school shooting as 14-year-old suspect named

"As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace."

A local police report filed after the incident claims that during an argument, Marangach doused Cheptegei in petrol before setting her alight.

"The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house," local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said.

"During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."

The athlete was said to be assisted by neighbours following the horrific incident, which took place in her hometown of Endebess.

Cheptegei - who is from a region in the bordering Uganda - reportedly bought an area of land in Trans Nzoia County in order to move closer to athletic training facilities in Kenya.

Kenyan newspaper The Nation reported that police discovered a five-litre jerry can at the scene, alongside a bag and a burned phone.

Earlier this week, Rebecca's father, Joseph Cheptegei, alongside his other daughter Evalyne Chelagat, told media outside the hospital that the two were fighting over her land.

The incident is said to have taken place moments before the alleged attack took place.

It follows the death of Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat, who was found dead with stab wounds in 2023.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Donald Trump signs an executive order imposing tariffs on imported goods

'Liberation Day' explained: What are Trump's tariffs and how will they impact the UK?

The blurry thieves stole £3,000 worth of cigarettes and vapes.

Police release CCTV after thieves steal £3,000 of vapes - but images leave the public calling for 'the ghostbusters'

Julie Goodyear

Julie Goodyear's husband shares rare photo of Coronation Street star two years on from dementia diagnosis

: An aerial view shows the scorched graveyard around a church following a large blaze the previous day, on July 20, 2022 in Wennington, Greater London

Londoners urged not to have barbecues this weekend amid soaring temperatures 'because of wildfire risk'

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' and warns that the president 'hasn't thought it through'

Mother and two children struck and killed by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York: driver operating suspended license

Husband left 'utterly bereft' after Brit mum and two daughters killed in New York car crash

The Nintendo Switch 2 will release on June 5, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2: Exciting reveal, but why is it more expensive here?

BRITAIN-FUNERAL-POLICE

Funeral director charged with 64 offences including fraud, theft and preventing 30 lawful burials

swallow-tail

Brits urged to 'stop mowing lawns' amid 'national butterfly crisis' with more than half of species in decline

Kyle Kitchen, 38, murdered eight-week-old Primose Kane

Dad who murdered daughter by violently shaking her as baby is jailed for life

Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza

Israel expands ground attack on Gaza to seize 'large areas' - despite pleas from hostage families

Douglas Clifton Brown, 56, tried to kill his estranged wife

Old Etonian who tried to murder his estranged partner by throwing her down a 240ft well is jailed for 24 years

Kaliyah Coa, 11, was reportedly down at the water when she was 'swept away'

Pictured: Missing 11-year-old 'swept away' while paddling in the River Thames

Hot cross buns could be scarce this Easter as farmers continue to protest against Rachel Reeves' 'tractor tax'.

Hot cross bun shortage looms as farmers escalate 'tractor tax' protests

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was shot

Teenage girl shot dead during gang 'ride-out' following social media humiliation

Mother and two children struck and killed by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York: driver operating suspended license

Brit mum and daughters, eight and five, killed in crash by driver who said 'I have the devil in me'