By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei passed away in Kenya on Thursday, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend, according to medics and Ugandan athletics officials.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in East Africa, where activists have warned of a growing femicide crisis.
Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, confirmed Cheptegei’s death in a statement on X. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was a victim of a brutal attack by her boyfriend. This senseless act has taken a remarkable athlete from us. Her legacy will endure.”
Police report that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, attacked her with petrol and set her ablaze on Sunday at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County. Cheptegei, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th.
Cheptegei suffered severe burns, with 80 percent of her body affected. The acting head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) revealed that her condition deteriorated rapidly, and all her organs failed by Tuesday night. A nurse confirmed she died at 5:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Thursday. The hospital had previously reported that Cheptegei developed sepsis.
Tributes have been pouring in for the athlete. The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed their sorrow and called for justice. “We are deeply saddened by Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic death due to domestic violence. We condemn these acts and advocate for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
The Kenya National Olympic Committee also extended its condolences, praising Cheptegei’s achievements and calling for an end to gender-based violence.
According to police, Marangach entered Cheptegei’s home while she was at church with her children. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, reported that she lived with her sister and daughters near the Uganda border.
The Standard newspaper reported that Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the attack. One of them recounted attempting to rescue her mother and calling for help, which a neighbor responded to, though they were unable to extinguish the flames.
Marangach sustained burns covering 30 percent of his body. His current condition is not known. Police mentioned the couple had frequent domestic disputes.
The incident has intensified focus on domestic violence in Kenya, where gender-based violence remains a significant issue. N