An ex-partner set Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan long-distance runner, on fire in a horrific incident.

Rebecca Cheptegei recently graced the international stage with her achievements, competing in the Paris Olympics. She finished 44th in the marathon before returning to her own country.

However, she suffered an attack at her home in western Trans Nzoia County on Sunday (September 1) after returning from church with her two children.

Officials have subsequently identified her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, as the one who doused her in gasoline before lighting her on fire.

She sustained burns on 75% of her body as a result, prompting a rush to the hospital. However, the athlete succumbed to her injuries and died early today (September 5).

Dr. Owen Menach, the hospital’s director, was the first to report the athlete’s death to local media, and the Ugandan Athletics Federation followed suit on Twitter.

Unidentified Cheptegei’s daughter has discussed the incident with local media.

She told Kenya’s The Standard that she observed the entire episode, stating, “He kicked me while I was trying to run to my mother’s rescue.”

“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbor who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible.”

Joseph, Cheptegei’s father, described her assailant as ‘a beast’ and said that he had been harassing her for months.

Mr. Cheptegei said that his daughter and Ndiema were fighting over her land at Endebes, Trans Nzoia, just before the alleged incident.

In an interview with The Star, he stated, “They were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter.”

The father also sought to clarify both his daughter’s relationship with her assailant and the nature of the encounter.

“I’d want to inform you that my injured daughter is married, and her spouse is in Uganda. My daughter trusted her assailant, a friend she met in Kenya.

“They had a falling out recently, but the suspect crept into her compound on Sunday afternoon, armed with five gallons of fuel and hiding in a chicken house.

“Rebecca was outside her home when the suspect approached and poured fuel on her before starting the fire.

“My daughter called for help by asking her sister, who was in the home, to bring a blanket to put out the fire, but the suspect, who was armed with a machete, chased her away, and Rebecca was burned.”

The father stated that he is now hoping for justice for his daughter.

Police have launched an inquiry into Cheptegei’s death. According to reports, Ndiema also suffered major burns and is receiving treatment in a hospital.