Ugandan Olympic marathon runner dies after being set ablaze
Rebecca Cheptegei, Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, has tragically lost her life, as reported according by BBC and The Guardian. The athlete's boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, reportedly doused her in petrol before setting her on fire, in a horrific incident that took place in Kenya. The dispute that led to this brutal act was allegedly over land ownership issues. Notably, Cheptegei competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Land dispute led to fatal attack
The land at the center of the dispute is located in Trans Nzoia County, where Cheptegei had bought property near athletic training centers. A local chief's report revealed that an argument about this particular land, on which Cheptegei's house was situated, preceded the deadly fire incident. The brutal attack left Cheptegei with burns covering more than 75% of her body and resulted in her untimely death.
Uganda Olympics Committee condemns violence against women
Donald Rukare, the president of Uganda Olympics Committee, expressed his sorrow over Cheptegei's death. He condemned the attack as a "cowardly and senseless act" that led to the loss of a great athlete. Rukare stated, "We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei...following a vicious attack by her boyfriend."
Cheptegei's death sparks investigation and mourning
Following the attack, Cheptegei was admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. She succumbed to her injuries at 5:30am on September 5 due to organ failure. Peter Ogwang, Uganda's Minister of State for Sports, described her death as "tragic" and confirmed that Kenyan authorities are investigating the case.
