Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away in Kenya, four days after being set ablaze by her partner, according to Ugandan athletics officials.
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, confirmed the tragic news in a post on X. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who fell victim to a brutal attack by her partner. This senseless and cowardly act has taken a remarkable athlete from us. Her legacy will continue to inspire,” he said.
Police reported that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her with petrol and ignited it on Sunday at their home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County. The attack occurred shortly after Cheptegei, 33, competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
Cheptegei sustained burns over 80 percent of her body and had been receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya. Medical staff revealed that all her organs failed the night before her death, as reported by AFP on Thursday.
Kenyan media reported that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the horrific incident. According to The Standard, the girl attempted to save her mother and called for help, but was unable to extinguish the flames despite the efforts of a neighbor.
Marangach also sustained burns, affecting 30 percent of his body.
In a statement on X, the Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its sorrow over Cheptegei’s death. “We are heartbroken by the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who was tragically a victim of domestic violence. We strongly condemn such acts and demand justice. May she rest in peace,” the federation stated.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Kenya. It comes two years after the death of Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua in Iten and follows the 2021 murder of record-breaking Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, whose estranged husband is currently on trial for her death.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, published figures from January 2023 show that 34 percent of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
