The tragic story of Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has taken a dark turn. Less than a week after being attacked, the man accused of setting her on fire, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, has died from his injuries.
The horrifying news first broke last week, leaving the world in shock. Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the marathon, was reportedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend Marangach on September 5. She had just returned home from church with her two daughters when the attack happened.
Witnesses say that Marangach poured petrol on Cheptegei and then set her on fire. Cheptegei suffered burns over 80 percent of her body and tragically died from her injuries.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter, stating: “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.”
Just five days later, Marangach has also died. He reportedly suffered burns to 30 percent of his own body during the attack. A spokesperson from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, confirmed Marangach’s death at 7:50 p.m. local time on September 9, explaining: “He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained,” according to Reuters.
Local media had reported that Marangach sustained these burns while allegedly setting Cheptegei on fire.
According to CNN, Cheptegei is the third top female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. Kenya is known for attracting international runners for high-altitude training, but these athletes often face exploitation and violence from those who are lured by the substantial prize money, which is much higher than local incomes.
Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, a support group for survivors of domestic violence in Kenya’s athletic community, commented on Marangach’s death: “Justice really would have been for him to sit in jail and think about what he had done. This is not positive news whatsoever.”
Very sad news.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 5, 2024
Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend, a Ugandan official says. pic.twitter.com/4J3gMekJTU
Neighbors who witnessed the attack have shared their desperate attempts to help Cheptegei. Agnes Barabara, who lives next door, told the BBC: “When I came out, I saw Rebecca running towards my house on fire, shouting: ‘Help me.’ As I went to look for water and started calling out for help, her assailant appeared again and doused more petrol on her.”
