UGANDAN ATHLETE REBECCA CHEPTEGEI DIES AFTER SUSTAINING SEVERE BURNS

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away. She succumbed to her injuries at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, where she had been admitted to the ICU. 

Dr. Owen Menach, the acting director of the hospital, confirmed that she died last night after experiencing total organ failure. “Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night,” said Dr Menach

Dr. Menach stated that the hospital would provide a comprehensive report on the incident later today. Cheptegei suffered severe burns, with 80 percent of her body affected, after her alleged boyfriend reportedly doused her in petrol and set her ablaze. The extensive burns severely damaged most of her organs. The accused, Dickson Ndiema, also sustained injuries in the incident and was admitted to the same ICU with 30 percent burns. 

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said the attack happened at around 3pm on Sunday and was reported at Kinyoro police station at 10am on Monday. “The couple was heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her. The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns,” Kosiom said.