Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who competed in the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, has tragically passed away following a vicious petrol attack by her ex-boyfriend in Kenya.
The incident has once again highlighted the alarming rise in violence against female athletes in the region.
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the Olympic marathon, sustained extensive burns to 80% of her body after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, during a dispute over a piece of land.
The attack occurred on Sunday in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia county, where Cheptegei lived and trained.
Despite being rushed to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, Cheptegei’s condition deteriorated, and she ultimately succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning. Dr. Owen Menach, the head of the hospital, confirmed that all of her organs had failed.
In a heartbreaking statement, Uganda’s athletics federation expressed their profound sorrow, saying, “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.”
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, had earlier pleaded for justice, stating that he had never witnessed such an inhumane act in his life.
The athlete’s former boyfriend, Ndiema, was also admitted to the hospital with less severe burns and is currently in intensive care, with his condition described as “improving and stable.”
This tragic incident comes just two years after the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, with their partners identified as the main suspects in both cases. Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, which he denies, while a hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.
