Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen Mourns Death Of Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei: "Deeply Saddened"

• Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei, who died on Thursday, September 5
• Murkomen expressed sadness over Cheptegei's death and affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring justice is served
• Cheptegei died after her ex-lover, Dickson Ndiema, set her on fire following an argument on that tragic day

The newly appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has mourned the death of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei.

Cheptegei was pronounced dead from burns after her Kenyan ex-lover, Dickson Ndiema, doused her with petrol and set her on fire.

What did Kipchumba Murkomen say about Cheptegei's death?

In a press statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, Murkomen expressed deep sadness over the athlete's death.

He described Cheptegei as an outstanding athlete who exemplified resilience, representing both Uganda and the wider East African region.

"Her passing is not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community but also to the entire region. This tragedy is a struck reminder of what should be done that we must do more to combat Gender Based Violence in our society," the statement read in part.

He affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring justice is served. He further expressed sympathy, stating that no one should have to go through what Cheptegei experienced.

"May her soul rest in peace," Murkomen said.

Why did Cheptegei's lover set her on fire

Preliminary reports indicated that Cheptegei and her ex-lover frequently quarreled over a house and a plot of land.

Area chief Rose Chebet said that Cheptegei's ex-lover sneaked into her home on Sunday, September 1, while she was at church with their two children.

When she returned home, she found Ndiema, who had already bought petrol, waiting for her. An argument ensued, which led to Ndiema pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire.

In a troubling turn of events, her boyfriend also caught fire. The two were rescued by neighbors who rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire.

The two were taken to Kitale Referral Hospital before being transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital due to the severity of their burns.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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