Ugandan Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being set on fire by her former boyfriend.
The 33-year-old marathon runner, who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, succumbed to severe burns inflicted in an attack that occurred last Sunday.
The incident took place in north-west Kenya, where Rebecca Cheptegei lived in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County.
Local authorities stated that she was attacked by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach after returning home from church.
According to reports, the conflict between Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend involved a dispute over a piece of land.
Local police chief, Jeremiah ole Kosiom said that neighbors heard the couple arguing before the man poured a flammable liquid on Cheptegei and set her on fire.
Cheptegei, who hailed from a region near the Kenya-Uganda border, had recently purchased land and built a house in Trans Nzoia County to be close to Kenya’s athletic training centers.
Dickson Ndiema Marangach allegedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her on fire, just weeks after Cheptegei competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom was quoted by local media as saying.
Cheptegei sustained burns on 80% of her body and had been in critical condition at a hospital in Kenya.
A doctor from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) confirmed to AFP on Thursday that she had died after all her organs failed the previous night.
Reports from Kenyan media reveal that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault.
“He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother,” Kenya’s The Standard reported her as saying.
“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible,” said the girl, who has not been named.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei expressed his grief, describing his daughter as “very supportive” and called on the Kenyan government to ensure justice is served.
The Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Cheptegei, condemning the violence and calling for justice.
‘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,” the statement read.
BREAKING NEWS💔💔
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE
— Uganda Athletics Federation (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend, who also sustained burns, is currently in intensive care, but his condition is stable, according to Dr. Menach.
The president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Donald Rukare, described the incident as “a cowardly and senseless act” and vowed that her legacy would continue.
‘This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee Donald Rukare said on X.
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
Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics and had previously won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.
We condole with the family of the late Rebecca Cheptegei OLY who passed on this morning. May her gentle soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/2qgGKYZhbp
— NOC UGANDA | CGA UGANDA (@Official_UOC) September 5, 2024
KanyiDaily had also reported how a woman named Ebere was allegedly burnt to death by her husband because she travelled for her mother’s burial preparation.
