Paris Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Passes Away from Severe Burns; Ex-Boyfriend Identified as Prime Suspect
“Unfortunately, we lost her last night despite the concerted efforts by a team of doctors to stabilize her condition after all her organs failed,” Dr. Mbugua stated
Agnes Cheptegei (center), the mother of Rebecca Cheptegei, is overcome with grief following the tragic news of her daughter's passing. Rebecca, who had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for severe burns covering 80% of her body, succumbed to multiple organ failure. Joseph Cheptegei (left), Rebecca's father, and Violah Chebet (right), her fourth-born sister, also mourn the loss of their loved on/Pic James Gitaka
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away due to multiple organ failure at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Cheptegei had been admitted to the facility on Monday.
Dr. Kimani Mbugua, Head of Theatre Services and Critical Care at the hospital, confirmed her death during a media briefing held at the hospital in the presence of Cheptegei’s family members. Mbugua described the death as a significant loss not only to the family but also to the athletics community and the world at large.
“Unfortunately, we lost her last night despite the concerted efforts by a team of doctors to stabilize her condition after all her organs failed,” Dr. Mbugua stated. He further explained that Cheptegei had sustained inhalation burns that affected her throat and airways. Her body has been moved to the hospital morgue while burial arrangements are being made.
“Cheptegei suffered 80 percent burns, which caused severe damage to all her body organs, severely impacting her chances of survival when she was brought to our facility,” Dr. Mbugua added.
He noted that a team of doctors had been assembled to provide care for the athlete, but she eventually succumbed to the complications from the severe burns.
“We have conducted a counseling session for the family, including her parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Cheptegei, to support them during this difficult time,” Dr. Mbugua said.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Paris Olympian, was reportedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who is also receiving treatment in the same ICU with 30 percent burns. Ndiema, now a prime suspect in her death, allegedly ambushed Cheptegei at her home after she returned from church with her two children. He doused her with petrol and set her on fire, leading to the severe injuries that ultimately caused her death.
Speaking at the hospital, Joseph Cheptegei called for justice and requested government assistance to secure his daughter’s property. “The man responsible for my daughter’s death is currently in the same hospital without police guard, and there is a significant risk that he may flee once his condition improves,” Joseph Cheptegei said.
He expressed frustration over the lack of action by police despite previous reports of threats made against his daughter by Ndiema. “I had alerted the police in Endebess and Kinyoro about threats to my daughter’s life, but the matter was not taken seriously,” Joseph lamented.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Kosiom confirmed that Ndiema will be charged with murder once he recovers. “Mr. Ndiema will be charged with murder once he is stable. For now, he is not a threat, and our officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are actively investigating the case,” Kosiom said.
About Author
