Rebecca Cheptegei's ex Dickson Ndiema dies after 'setting Olympian and himself on fire' in horrific attack

The following story contains some upsetting details.

Dickson Ndiema, the boyfriend of Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died after he reportedly set them both on fire in a petrol attack.

Chpetegei passed away on September 4 after she was reportedly set on fire in an attack by her ex-boyfriend, causing her to suffer burns across 75 per cent of her body.

The 33-year-old was taken to the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, but died due to organ failure caused by her injuries.

And now, days later, Ndiema has also died as a result of the attack.

Rebecca Cheptegei competed at both the 2023 Athletics World Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. (Image: Getty)

Reported by Nation Africa, Ndiema died in hospital on Monday evening after sustaining burns across 30 per cent of his body.

The attack took place two weeks ago, with local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom believed to have said that Ndiema set his ex-girlfriend on fire after the pair got into an argument regarding a piece of land in north-west Kenya.

Reports claim that Ndiema snuck into his Cheptegei's home while she and her two children were attending church.

When she returned, Ndiema reportedly doused her in petrol before setting her alight with a matchstick, engulfing himself in flames during the process.

They were both rushed to hospital immediately after the attack, but could not be saved.

Reacting to the attack on X, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Donald Rukare wrote: "We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.

Rebecca Cheptegei ran in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics. (Image: Getty)

"May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women.

"This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."

Cheptegei competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events across the world and most recently finished 44th in the Paris 2024 Olympics Women's Marathon race.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.