Ugandan athlete dies after petrol attack in Kenya sparking outcry over domestic violence
Cheptegei, 33, was allegedly attacked by her estranged boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who reportedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire after a dispute over a piece of land. The assault occurred in Trans Nzoia, Kenya, as she returned home from church with her two children.
Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died after suffering severe burns in a petrol attack last Sunday, becoming the second Ugandan athlete to lose their life in an attack in Kenya in just eight months.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) confirmed her death on their X handle, expressing deep sorrow over the loss and condemning the act as a tragic case of domestic violence.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” UAF stated. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cheptegei, 33, was allegedly attacked by her estranged boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who reportedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire after a dispute over a piece of land. The assault occurred in Trans Nzoia, Kenya, as she returned home from church with her two children.
Neighbors managed to rescue her from the blaze, but she sustained burns over 80% of her body and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she died after days in intensive care.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed focus on gender-based violence. Many have taken to social media to express outrage over the rising cases of violence against women by their partners, calling for stronger measures to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
Cheptegei’s death follows that of fellow Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was stabbed to death by assailants in Eldoret last December. The recurrence of violence against Ugandan athletes in Kenya has raised concerns and sparked demands for accountability.
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics and won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, had moved to Trans Nzoia to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training centers. The attack has prompted an ongoing police investigation, with authorities working to uncover the full details of the case.
As the investigation unfolds, her death has become a rallying point for activists and organizations advocating against domestic violence, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect women and promote justice.
