Several weeks ago at the Olympic Paris Games, Rebecca Cheptegei was among the pack of women competing for a marathon title. The marathoner was representing her native country of Uganda. She is a Ugandan-born athlete who is currently living in Kenya to access elite training facilities.
As we speak, Rebecca, 33, is no more after fighting for her life, unsuccessfully, at a hospital in Kenya where she was hospitalized for days.
Altercation With Boyfriend
Rebecca, suffered over 75% burns, after a man, referred to by authorities as her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, doused her in gasoline and torched her. According to police, this happened at her home in Trans-Nzoia County on Sept. 1.
The perpetrator was also a victim of the fire and suffered about 30% burns. They had both been admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, but Rebecca was in a far worse condition.
Trans-Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the case.
The Unfortunate Ordeal
According to the police commander, Kosiom, neighbors heard the couple arguing on Sept. 1 at her home in Endebess. Ndiema was then seen leaving only to return with a 5-liter jerrycan of gasoline to Cheptegei’s home.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house,” Kosiom told The Standard. “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
His father how, however, has dismissed reports that her daughter was romantically involved with Dickson.
“I wish to state that my wounded daughter is married and her husband is in Uganda,” he told The Standard. “Her attacker was a friend they met in Kenya and my daughter trusted him. They fell out recently but the suspect sneaked into her compound on Sunday afternoon, armed with five liters of petrol, and hid in a poultry house.”
The mother of two was first rushed to Kitale County Referral Hospital for stabilization. Later, she was transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized medical care, according to authorities.
Facts About Rebecca
- She is married and a mother of two daughters, 9 and 11, who live in Uganda with their father.
- She’s been competing professionally in long-distance races since 2010.
- Cheptegei and Marangach were involved in a known dispute over land previously and the case was headed to court.
Her Condition Worsened
Anaesthesiologist and Critical Care specialist, Dr. Josephat Kerema, said that, in addition to the widespread skin damage, the inhalation burns she sustained affected her throat and airwaves.
In addition, the doctors were working round-the-clock to prevent multi-organ failure due to septic shock. The doctor was assured that she would stabilize within the next several days.
Ugandan Olympic Committee president, Donald Rukare, slammed the attack on Cheptegei as “totally unacceptable.”
Keep Her In Prayers
“Let’s keep Rebecca in our prayers and wish her a full recovery. Let’s all say NO to violence, especially against women. This is unacceptable and we condemn this uncalled-for attack. Together let’s stand against violence.” he posted on X on September 3rd.
“Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed last night,” MTRH acting Director Dr. Owen Menach confirmed as per The Star.
Cheptegei has developed a bacterial infection of sepsis due to the severe injuries to the stomach and the lower part of the body,” the counselor said.
Rising Femicide Cases
The assault on Cheptegei comes two years after Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in Iten, a world-famous running hub.
In 2021, record-breaking Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, 25, was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten in 2021. Her estranged husband is on trial over her murder. He has denied the charges.
The latest disturbing report comes amid rising outrage over surging femicide cases against women in Kenya. According to the Africa Data Hub, at least 500 women and girls have lost their lives to gender-based violence since 2016.
