Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Uganda’s Olympic Committee chief, Donald Rukare.
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.,” Rukare shared on X.
Janet Museveni, Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports, also took to X to express her shock. “The news of our daughter, Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic death due to domestic violence is deeply disturbing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the athletics community, her family, friends, and the entire nation on the loss of our Olympian.”
Rebecca, who was just 33, had burns on 80% of her body, according to the acting head of the hospital in Eldoret, where she was treated. Sadly, despite their efforts, she passed away after all of her organs failed, a medic told AFP.
Police say Rebecca’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, poured petrol on her and set her on fire during an argument at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, on Sunday.
What makes this even more devastating is that it happened only weeks after Rebecca competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place.
One of her daughters witnessed the whole thing. Kenyan media reported that the young girl tried to help but was kicked by Marangach when she rushed to her mother’s side. “I cried for help, and a neighbor tried to put out the flames with water, but it was too late,” the daughter shared.
Marangach himself was also burned in the attack, suffering burns on 30% of his body.
This tragedy sadly mirrors other cases in Kenya. Two years ago, Damaris Mutua, a Kenyan-born athlete, was found dead in Iten, a famous training ground for runners. And in 2021, Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death at her home, with her estranged husband now on trial for her murder.
According to stats from Kenya’s National Bureau, 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for more to be done to protect women.
