Rebecca Cheptegei’s ex-partner Dickson Ndiema dies after he set Olympic runner and himself on fire

The ex-boyfriend of Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after allegedly setting her on fire, but injuring himself in the process.

Dickson Ndiema has been named as her attacker in local media. He sustained burns across much of his body in the alleged ambush and has died in hospital on Monday evening, Nation Africa reports. Cheptegei died on Wednesday evening last week.

It comes after the mum-of-two was set alight with petrol and which led to her death as a result of organ failure. Both spent days in critical condition at an Intensive Care Unit in Eldoret city's Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in western Kenya.

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It was suggested that the pair had been arguing over the land that Cheptegei's house is built upon. The 33-year-old purchased the land located close to the Ugandan border and built her home.

Ndiema is alleged to have let himself into Cheptegei's home while she was at church with her two children, aged 9 and 11. Police said he set her alight during an argument, leaving her with burns across more than 75 per cent of her body as she was rushed to hospital.

Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said: “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."

One of Cheptegei's unnamed daughters was quick to find her mother burning and was allegedly kicked by Ndiema as she attempted to help. She called in help to try and put out the flames that engulfed her mother but was unsuccessful.

She told Kenyan paper The Standard: "He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother." She also added: "I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible."

The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace."

World Athletics president Lord Coe said: "Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic and unthinkable circumstances. Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner who still had lots left to give on the roads, mountains and cross country trails."