Dickson Ndiema, the ex-lover of deceased Ugandan athlete Rebeca Cheptegei, has died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.
Ndiema succumbed to severe burn injuries late Monday night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following an incident in which he allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol before setting her on fire.
He suffered burns covering 30 percent of his body.
Ndiema’s death comes just five days after Cheptegei herself passed away at the same hospital, having suffered burns over 80 percent of her body.
The tragic incident occurred in Trans Nzoia County after a reported altercation between the two over a piece of land in Chepkum Village.
According to police reports, the attack took place as Cheptegei returned home from church with her two daughters.
Cheptegei, a celebrated athlete who competed in the 2024 Olympics, was rushed to the hospital following the attack but later succumbed to her injuries.
Ndiema had been expected to face charges for her murder once he recovered.
Rebeca Cheptegei will be laid to rest on September 14 in Bukwa District, Uganda, where she is expected to receive a heroine’s sendoff in recognition of her athletic achievements.
