Photos emerge of accused in Olympian Cheptegei’s tragic death

Photos of the man accused of setting fire to Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei have surfaced following the attack.

Cheptegei, 33, succumbed to severe burns she sustained on Sunday, 1st September, shortly after competing at Paris 2024. Authorities in north-west Kenya, where she resided, reported that the Olympian was attacked upon returning home from church with her two daughters.

Dr Kimani Mbugua from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret stated that Cheptegei’s ‘severe’ burns led to multiple organ failure, resulting in her death.

Her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, is accused of the attack. He was also hospitalised with burns, but his condition is described as ‘improving and stable’.

Rebecca Cheptegei, 2022 world mountain running champion, dies tragically.

World Athletics is shocked and deeply saddened to learn that Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei died tragically on Thursday (5 September) as a result of an alleged domestic abuse attack.… pic.twitter.com/Y2jn1yWffS

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) September 5, 2024

As tributes pour in for Cheptegei, the first images of Ndiema have emerged. A photo from social media shows him looking at the camera, wearing a beige jacket with an American flag on the front.

Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, alleged that Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei before igniting her. The Standard, a Kenyan newspaper, reported his statement: “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend poured a liquid on the woman before setting her on fire. The suspect also sustained serious burns.”

Cheptegei’s father, Joseph, remembered her as ‘very supportive’ and expressed concerns for her children’s futures. Uganda’s athletics federation paid tribute on Twitter, condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice. Donald Rukare, head of Uganda’s Olympic committee, echoed this sentiment, labelling the act as ‘cowardly and senseless’ and vowing that her legacy will endure.

Here is the murderer Dickson Ndiema https://t.co/kc5GceCtSp pic.twitter.com/evgSGcX1L4

— JONAM’S PRINCESS👑👑 (@AtimCharlotte) September 5, 2024

Joseph has demanded justice, criticising that Ndiema remains free after the attack. Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into Cheptegei’s death.

Kenya’s sports minister has urged authorities to intensify efforts against gender-based violence. A 2022 national survey indicated that at least 34 percent of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence.

For those facing domestic violence, help is available. The national domestic violence helpline is open 24/7 at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). Local resources can also be found here.