By Habeeb Ibrahim
In a tragic and horrifying incident, 33-year-old Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, at her home in Kenya.
The shocking event, confirmed by Ugandan athletics officials on Thursday, has sent ripples of grief across the sporting world.
According to police reports, Marangach allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol before setting her alight on Sunday at her residence in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya.
The attack left the Olympian with severe burns covering 80% of her body. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries after a valiant fight for her life.
The President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Donald Rukare, expressed deep sorrow over the athlete’s passing, calling the attack a “cowardly and senseless act.”
“We have learned of the sad passing of our Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” Rukare posted on social media platform 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.”
Cheptegei had just recently participated in the Paris Olympics marathon, where she finished in 44th place, continuing her dedication to representing Uganda on the international stage. Her untimely death marks a devastating end to her athletic career, which had inspired many young athletes in Uganda and beyond.
Uganda’s Athletics Federation also condemned the brutal attack in a statement, denouncing domestic violence and calling for swift justice.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
The suspect, Marangach, was also injured during the attack, suffering burns to 30% of his body. He is currently under police custody and expected to face charges of murder.
This incident has reignited conversations about domestic violence in Kenya, where recent statistics indicate that 34% of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
Advocacy groups are now calling for more robust policies and protective measures to safeguard women from such heinous acts.
