Alleged killer of Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies in hospital after ‘setting her on fire’

The man accused of setting fire to and killing Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei in Kenya has died after sustaining burns in the attack.

A spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, in Eldoret in western Kenya, confirmed that the former boyfriend of Cheptegei, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, died at 7:50 p.m local time on Monday (9 September).

Lang'at told Reuters: "He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained."

Cheptegei was covered in petrol and set ablaze near her home on 1 September.

Kenyan hospital director Dr Owen Menach confirmed on 5 September that Cheptegei had passed away.

He said: "Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night."

According to the BBC, officials in north-west Kenya stated that Cheptegei was targeted after returning home from church.

As per the Kenyan newspaper The Standard, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, stated: "The boyfriend is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2pm on Sunday while the wife and the children were in Church.

"The couple were 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."

More to follow.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.