Ugandan Olympian Dies After Being Set on Fire by Boyfriend
Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died in Kenya, four days after suffering severe burns in a horrifying attack by her boyfriend. The Ugandan athletics community is in mourning, with officials describing the act as a “cowardly and senseless” tragedy.
Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, confirmed the athlete’s death on Thursday, September 5, in an heartbreaking post on social media platform X.
“We have learned of the sad passing of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei,” Rukare wrote. “Her loss is deeply felt, and her legacy will continue to endure.”
The violent incident occurred on Sunday, September 1, at Cheptegei’s home in Endebess, a town in Kenya’s western Trans-Nzoia county. Police reports indicate that Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze. The 33-year-old athlete sustained burns to 80 percent of her body and had been in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya until her death.
The attack comes just weeks after Cheptegei competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. Her struggle for survival was a source of immense public concern, with medical staff revealing on Tuesday, September 3, that all her organs had failed.
In a deeply disturbing twist, one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault. According to reports, the young girl tried to intervene and called for help as Marangach’s actions escalated. Despite the efforts of a neighbor to extinguish the flames, the severity of the burns proved fatal.
The Uganda Athletics Federation has also expressed its grief and outrage, condemning the violence and calling for justice.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the federation said in a statement on X. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
