A man accused of murdering an Olympic athlete by setting her on fire has also died from his injuries.
As previously reported, Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her former boyfriend.
The 33-year-old athlete, who competed for Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffered fatal injuries after an alleged altercation at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, on September 2.
According to reports from the BBC, the violent dispute escalated when her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly poured a flammable liquid on Cheptegei and set her ablaze.
Cheptegei sustained severe burns covering more than 75% of her body, leading to her tragic death.
As reported by Sky News, Ndiema has also passed away due to the injuries he sustained during the incident.
He died on Monday night while receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the same facility where Cheptegei was treated.
According to the report, Ndiema sustained burns to over 30% of his body.
Cheptegei recently competed in the women's marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
Her participation in the global event had gained admiration from the international sports community.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Rebecca Cheptegei's death following the horrible attack against her," said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.
"Rebecca's participation in the Paris 2024 women's marathon was a source of inspiration, pride, and joy."
Witnesses recall hearing a heated argument between the couple before the horrifying incident unfolded.
"The couple were heard quarreling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her," said Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom.
In an interview with Kenyan outlet The Standard, one of Cheptegei’s daughters, who witnessed the attack, shared the terror she experienced.
"I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbor who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible," she said. She also claimed that when she rushed to her mother's aid, the attacker kicked her.
Cheptegei's father also spoke out, shedding light on a potential motive for the attack. He revealed that a dispute over land may have led to the tragic altercation.
The former couple had reportedly been arguing over a property in Endebess, Kenya.
"They were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter," Mr. Cheptegei told The Star, adding that his daughter's two children were fathered by another man in Uganda.
He recounted how Ndiema, once a trusted friend, allegedly snuck into his daughter’s home with a container of petrol.
"Rebecca was outside the house when the suspect appeared and immediately poured petrol on her before lighting the fire," he said.
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