Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, according to Uganda’s Olympic Committee chief, Donald Rukare.
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” Rukare said in his statement.
Cheptegei, 33, suffered burns covering 80% of her body and was being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya. Medical staff f,, ought to save her, but according to a doctor, “All her organs failed last night.”
We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a… pic.twitter.com/V8Mog3oMOX
— Donald Rukare (@drukare) September 5, 2024
Police identified her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, as the suspect. He allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her on fire in an attack at her home in, Endebess, located in Trans-Nzoia County. The incident occurred just weeks after Cheptegei competed in the Paris Olympics marathon, where she finished 44th.
Local reports indicate that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault. The Standard reported the girl saying, “He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.” Despite efforts by a neighbor to extinguish the flames, they were unable to save her.
Marangach also sustained burns on 30% of his body during the attack.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed their condolences in a statement on X, condemning the violent act and calling for justice. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning; we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, as well as the family who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.”
The attack has renewed attention on the issue of domestic violence in Kenya. This tragedy comes two years after the death of Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua, who was found dead in Iten, a renowned running hub in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
In 2021, another high-profile case involved record-breaking Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, who was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. Her estranged husband is currently on trial for her murder, though he denies the charges.
On behalf of #TeamKenya we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei.
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) September 5, 2024
Rebecca’s talent, and perseverance as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and a Paris 2024 Olympian will always be remembered and celebrated.… pic.twitter.com/k3hNYB9WOP
According to the latest statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
Cheptegei’s death has sparked calls for justice and highlighted the ongoing battle against domestic violence in the region.
