Rebecca Cheptegie, a Ugandan Olympic runner who competed in the recent Olympic marathon, is currently in critical condition in a hospital in Kenya after being set on fire by her partner. The brutal attack, which left Cheptegie with burns covering 75 percent of her body, took place at her home in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County. The assailant, identified as Dickson Ndiema Marangach, broke into Cheptegie’s home while she was at church and poured petrol on her before setting her ablaze. Cheptegie’s parents are reportedly on their way from Uganda to see her as she fights for her life.
Cheptegie’s case is not the first instance of a high-profile athlete in Kenya falling victim to domestic abuse. In 2021, record-breaking Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death in her home. Tirop’s estranged husband, Emmanuel Ibrahim Rotich, denies involvement but is currently being tried for her murder. Following Tirop’s tragic death, her family and fellow Kenyan athletes established a foundation in her honor called Tirop’s Angels. The foundation aims to combat gender-based violence and recently opened a center in the western town of Iten in Kenya.
The attack on Cheptegie has shocked the sports world and highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Kenya. As a professional athlete, Cheptegie had purchased a home and land in the area to take advantage of the region’s training facilities. Despite her accomplishments, such as placing 44th in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Olympics, Cheptegie became the victim of a horrific act of violence at the hands of her partner. Police reported that Marangach was also injured in the incident, suffering burns from the flames.
The assault on Cheptegie underscores the vulnerability of even the most successful athletes to domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and support for victims in the sporting community. The attack has drawn attention to the importance of addressing and preventing gender-based violence, not only in Kenya but globally. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by women, including high-profile athletes like Cheptegie, in intimate partner relationships. As Cheptegie fights for her life, her story serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased efforts to combat domestic abuse and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
Cheptegie’s case has sparked outrage and calls for justice from many in the sports world and beyond. Her courageous battle for survival and the shocking nature of the attack have prompted discussions about how to better protect athletes and other individuals from domestic violence. The incident has also highlighted the importance of providing resources and support for victims of abuse, as well as raising awareness about the signs of an unhealthy relationship. As Cheptegie receives treatment for her severe injuries, the global community stands with her in solidarity and hopes for her full recovery.
