Ugandan Olympic athlete dies after being doused in petrol by boyfriend

Rebecca Cheptegei, the 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathoner, tragically passed away on September 5, 2024, after suffering severe burns in a petrol attack by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in Endebess, western Kenya . The attack occurred on Sunday, September 1, outside her home, where she was training for her athletic career .

Cheptegei had competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th, and was a renowned long-distance runner, having won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand. Her death has sent shockwaves through the athletic community, with tributes pouring in from around the world.

Tributes and Reactions

- The Uganda Athletics Federation condemned the act, calling for justice and expressing deep sadness over Cheptegei's passing .

- Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, described the attack as "cowardly and senseless" .

- Fans and fellow athletes have taken to social media to express their condolences and outrage over the tragic incident .

This horrific incident highlights the alarming rate of domestic violence and violence against women in Kenya, with statistics showing that 34% of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 . Cheptegei's death is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address these issues and protect vulnerable individuals.

According to Kenya's The Standard, one of Cheptegei’s daughters  recounted the horrific event, saying, "He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother." She bravely cried out for help, which attracted a neighbor who attempted to extinguish the flames with water, but unfortunately, it was too late .

The suspect, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly poured petrol over Cheptegei and set her alight during the attack at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County . He also sustained injuries, with 30% burns on his body. The police are investigating the incident, and calls for justice are growing louder.

Cheptegei's legacy as a Ugandan Olympian and marathon runner will live on, but her untimely death serves as a wake-up call to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Kenya and beyond.