Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died in Kenya, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend, according to Ugandan athletics officials. The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to her injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya, where she had been fighting for her life since the attack.
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” said Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
The incident occurred at Cheptegei’s home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, where her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her alight. Cheptegei suffered burns covering 80 percent of her body and was unable to recover despite efforts by medical staff. “All her organs failed last night,” said a medic at the hospital.
One of Cheptegei’s daughters reportedly witnessed the brutal assault. “He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother,” the daughter told Kenya’s The Standard newspaper. She called out for help, attracting a neighbor who tried to extinguish the flames with water but was unsuccessful.
Marangach also sustained injuries, with 30 percent burns on his body, during the attack.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its sorrow over the loss of Cheptegei, stating on X, “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.”
Cheptegei’s tragic death has once again highlighted the issue of domestic violence in Kenya. This incident follows the deaths of other female athletes, including Kenyan-born Damaris Mutua and Agnes Tirop, both of whom were victims of domestic violence.
