On Thursday, September 5th, Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, just 33 years old, tragically lost her life. Her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, doused her in petrol and set her on fire in Kenya. She suffered burns covering over 75% of her body. It’s heartbreaking to think someone could do this.
She’s the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. That’s beyond disturbing.
Authorities say the attack happened after she returned from church with her two daughters. Apparently, she and Marangach had been arguing about a plot of land. The details are still being investigated. This horrific incident took place in Trans Nzoia County.
Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare posted, “We’ve learned of the sad passing of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… after a brutal attack by her boyfriend. May her soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women.”
Uganda Athletics Federation also expressed their 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.”
After the attack, Rebecca was taken to a hospital in Eldoret. She had finished 44th in the Paris Olympics, but now, tragically, she’s gone. She passed away at 5:30 a.m. due to organ failure. A full report is expected soon.
Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, called her death a massive loss. He also said, “This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which has emerged in elite sporting circles in recent years.”
Ugandan Sports Minister Peter Ogwang confirmed that Kenyan authorities are investigating the murder. He pointed out that violence against women remains a huge issue in Kenya. Government data from 2022 shows that nearly 34% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, especially married women.
A report by UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime stated that Africa saw the highest number of femicides in 2022, which is terrifying.
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Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, posted on social media, “I am appalled, my heart is broken: Our star, Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is in a critical condition after being attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend.”
Opposition leader Bobi Wine also expressed his sadness, writing, “Very saddened by the untimely passing of this young, talented Ugandan athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei. The circumstances of her death are even more depressing.”
Rebecca’s death follows the murders of Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, two other female athletes killed in 2021 and 2022. In both cases, their partners were the main suspects. It’s an incredibly sad and alarming trend, and we can only hope for justice for Rebecca and other victims.
