Days after the death of Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, his boyfriend has also died.
Dickson Ndiema, has succumbed to his own burn injuries while undergoing treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. Ndiema had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after sustaining severe burns in the same incident that left the athlete life less.
According to reports, Ndiema allegedly doused Cheptegei, a promising Ugandan runner, in flammable liquid before setting her on fire during a domestic dispute.
The tragic incident shocked the local community and drew attention from international sporting circles due to Cheptegei’s rising profile in athletics.
The exact details of the incident remain unclear, with investigations still ongoing. Eyewitnesses claim that the confrontation between Ndiema and Cheptegei turned violent before the fire broke out.
Both Ndiema and Cheptegei sustained critical burn injuries and were rushed to MTRH, where they both died.
His death complicates the legal proceedings, leaving many questions unanswered about what led to the tragedy.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for greater awareness of domestic violence and stronger legal protections for victims.
Cheptegei’s supporters, particularly in the athletic community, have rallied around her, offering prayers and support for her recovery.