Uganda’s Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, tragically passed away after being set on fire by her boyfriend. The Uganda Olympic Committee confirmed her death, stating that she succumbed to severe burns she suffered when her boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her ablaze in Kenya. Cheptegei’s death marks the third female athlete killed in Kenya since October 2021. Ugandan officials, including Minister Peter Ogwang and UOC President Donald Rukare, expressed their sorrow and condemned the violence against women.
Cheptegei, who had represented Uganda in long-distance races, recently participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics. She sustained burns to three-quarters of her body due to the attack by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. The incident occurred in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, just weeks after Cheptegei’s Olympic appearance. The Uganda Olympic Committee called for swift action to bring the perpetrator to justice, denouncing the “cowardly and deplorable action” that led to Cheptegei’s death.
The attack on Cheptegei stemmed from a dispute over a house she owned in Trans-Nzoia County, where she had bought land for training purposes. The athlete’s parents revealed that Cheptegei met Ndiema in the county, and the dispute over the property escalated into the tragic incident. The Uganda Athletics Federation characterized Cheptegei as a victim of domestic violence and called for justice in the matter. The federation expressed deep sadness over the loss of the athlete, urging authorities to address the issue.
Reports indicated that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the attack at their home, where she tried to rescue her mother but was unable to stop the flames. Marangach, the accused, also sustained significant burns during the incident. Cheptegei’s death highlights the violence experienced by female athletes in Kenya, with similar cases in the past involving Damaris Mutua and Agnes Tirop. Mutua was found dead in Iten, while Tirop was fatally stabbed in her home in 2021, leading to her estranged husband facing charges for her murder.
The tragedy of Cheptegei’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice in both Uganda and Kenya. Her passing has raised awareness of the violence faced by sportswomen and the need for greater protection and support for female athletes. The Uganda Athletics Federation and other sports bodies have condemned the heinous act and are advocating for stricter measures against perpetrators of domestic violence. Cheptegei’s legacy as a talented athlete has left a lasting impact, and her memory will continue to inspire positive change within the sports community.
