In a harrowing turn of events, Dickson Ndiema, the ex-partner responsible for the brutal death of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, has succumbed to severe burns he sustained during the attack. The chilling case, which has shocked both nations, has now shifted focus from a murder trial to an inquest into the deaths of both individuals.
The grim saga began over a week ago when Ndiema, consumed by personal grievances, ambushed Cheptegei as she returned home from church in Trans Nzoia county, Kenya. Armed with a jerry can of petrol, he doused the marathon runner with fuel and set her ablaze. Cheptegei, who suffered burns on over 80% of her body, died just days later, on a Thursday.
Ndiema, admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital with burns covering more than 40% of his body, was initially expected to face charges of murder. Reports indicate that during the attack, some of the petrol splashed onto Ndiema, causing him to catch fire as well. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Ndiema developed severe respiratory complications and sepsis, leading to his death on Monday evening.
With Ndiema’s death, the criminal case against him has been dropped. Authorities have announced that an inquest will now be conducted to investigate the circumstances surrounding both Cheptegei’s and Ndiema’s deaths. This development has shifted the legal focus from a murder trial to a broader examination of the events leading to this tragic outcome.
