Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away in Kenya, just four days after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire, according to Ugandan athletics officials. The Uganda Olympic Committee president, Donald Rukare, expressed his condolences on X, calling the incident a "cowardly and senseless act" that resulted in the loss of a remarkable athlete. Cheptegei's legacy, he noted, will persist.
Police identified the suspect as Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who reportedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and ignited it at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia county. This tragic event occurred shortly after the 33-year-old participated in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th. Cheptegei sustained burns covering 80% of her body and had been in critical condition at a Kenyan hospital.
A medical professional at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) confirmed that Cheptegei's organs failed, leading to her death. Kenyan media reported that one of Cheptegei's daughters witnessed the assault, recounting how she tried to intervene but was kicked by Marangach. Neighbors attempted to douse the flames with water, but to no avail.
Marangach himself suffered burns on 30% of his body. The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed deep sorrow over Cheptegei's death, condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice. The incident has reignited concerns about domestic violence in Kenya, following similar tragedies involving Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua and record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop.
Recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reveal that 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
