Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Olympic Ugandan marathon runner, dies in Eldoret, Kenya, from severe burns sustained in an attack.
Dickson Ndiema Marangach, her estranged boyfriend, attacked her.
This incident shocks the athletics world, drawing attention to the increasing problem of domestic violence.
On the first of September, Marangach set Cheptegei ablaze after an argument.
Marangach doused her with petrol as she returned home from church.
Neighbours rescued Cheptegei, rushing her to the hospital. She battled for her life for several days in the ICU.
Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries on the morning of September 5, with 80% of her body severely burned.
Cheptegei’s Athletic Career
Cheptegei represented Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s marathon, finishing 44th.
This performance came two years after one of her most remarkable achievements. She won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Her career spanned over a decade, starting in 2010. She excelled in both middle- and long-distance races.
Impact on the Community and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Cheptegei’s passing is not only a loss for Ugandan athletics but also a tragic reminder of the violence faced by women in Kenya and Uganda.
Agnes Tirop, a world record holder in the 10km race, was discovered stabbed to death in her home in Iten, Kenya, in 2021.
Her husband was identified as the prime suspect.
Damaris Mutua, another Kenyan long-distance runner, suffered the same fate in 2022.
Cheptegei’s death sparks widespread condemnation from various figures in sports, human rights organizations, and the public.
Over 500 women have been killed in Kenya alone from 2016 to 2024, with various cases ranging from partners.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) and the Uganda Olympic Committee expressed their sadness over her loss, condemning the act.
The UAF stated, “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.”.
Ugandan Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare also shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Her legacy will continue to endure, but this was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”
The public outcry for justice in Cheptegei’s death has reignited discussions about gender-based violence in Uganda and Kenya, with many calling for stricter laws and more robust protection for women.
