Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei’s boyfriend, who is accused of setting her on fire, has passed away.
Dickson Ndiema died on Monday night, September 9, at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, the hospital confirmed.
He was admitted to the facility's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after sustaining burns on 30 percent of his body.
It is at the same hospital that Cheptegei also passed away.
She succumbed to injuries on Thursday night, September 4, after Ndiema doused her body with petrol and set her on fire following a disagreement.
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It was during the incident in Trans Nzoia County that Ndiema also sustained injuries from the fire.
Cheptegei sustained burns over 80 percent of her body. MTRH Acting Director Dr. Owen Menach confirmed that all her organs had failed.
It is reported that the duo had a disagreement over a piece of land in Trans Nzoia.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation condemned the incident and called for justice for the fallen athlete.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace," the federation remarked.
The 33-year-old marathon runner will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 14, at her home in Uganda.
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