NAIROBI, Kenya: Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, known for her impressive athletic achievements, has tragically passed away in Kenya after a brutal attack by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach.
Cheptegei, who recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns when Marangach allegedly set her on fire at their home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County. Despite receiving urgent medical care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries after her organs failed.
The incident has shocked both Ugandan and Kenyan communities, with officials and athletes mourning the loss of a talented and resilient competitor. Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare described the attack as a “cowardly and senseless act,” highlighting the profound impact on both Cheptegei’s legacy and the wider sports community.
The attack underscores a troubling pattern of domestic violence in the region, drawing comparisons to previous high-profile cases involving athletes such as Damaris Mutua and Agnes Tirop, both of whom also fell victim to violence. These incidents shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic abuse in Kenya, where recent statistics reveal that 34 percent of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
As the investigation into Cheptegei’s death continues, there is a call for justice and a renewed focus on combating domestic violence. Cheptegei’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change and support for victims of abuse.
