Rebecca’s father reveals shocking details about the attack.

The tragic incident involving Rebecca Cheptegei, a renowned Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, has left the sports community and the general public in shock.

According to reports, Cheptegei was brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during a heated dispute over property ownership at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.

Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca’s father, revealed that the relationship between his daughter and Ndiema was purely platonic, making the violent escalation particularly bewildering. 

“They were just friends and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter,” Mzee Cheptegei stated.

The situation turned horrifying when Ndiema allegedly purchased petrol, doused Cheptegei with it, and set her on fire. 

The local police, under the leadership of Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, have been actively investigating the case, with crucial evidence such as a jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone recovered from the scene.

Rebecca’s sister, Evalyne Chelagat, recounted the terrifying moments of the attack, crediting the quick response of neighbours for extinguishing the flames and possibly saving Rebecca’s life. 

“It was the neighbours who rushed to help extinguish the flames,” she said in a separate interview.

Cheptegei, who is 33 years old, has had a distinguished career in athletics, including winning a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022. 

Most recently, she competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.

This appalling incident underscores the severe consequences of domestic disputes and has drawn widespread attention to the need for greater protection and support for victims of such violence. 

The ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya is expected to provide more details as it progresses.

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