Ex-boyfriend accused of killing Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei also dies from burns

The former partner of Ugandan Olympic Marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei who was accused of murdering her by pouring petrol all over her and setting her on fire, has died from the burns that he sustained during the attack. The tragic news was confirmed by the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya today, Sep 10, 2024. The hospital had treated both of them and tried to save their lives but both succumbed to the injuries.

Reason of Death of the former couple

Cheptegei represented Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Olympics. She suffered grave injuries in the form of severe burns covering more than 75 percent of her body that took place while she was attacked on Sep 1. She died four days later.

Dickson Ndiema Marangach died at 7.50 pm local time on Monday in the same hospital from the burns he received while he doused his former girlfriend in petrol and set fire on her. It was reported that Dickson sneaked into the property with a 5 litre can full of petrol and set fire. While putting on the flames he burned himself sustaining 40 percent burns all over his body that led to his death.

Conflict between Rebecca and Dickson!!

The former couple were involved in a heated argument over a land dispute before the incident happened. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom stated that Dickson Ndiema poured petrol from a jerry can and set her ablaze after the disagreement took place on Sunday, Sep 8, 2024. 

Uganda Athletics Federation Statement

The Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed Rebecca Cheptegei’s death through a post on X stating, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing away of our athlete, Rebecca Athlete early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

The federation condemned the acts of domestic violence that occurred against their athlete and called for justice. The federation also confirmed that the Uganda marathoner was hospitalised in Eldoret after her Kenyan boyfriend set fire on her.

Previous cases of Domestic Violence against Sportspersons in Kenya

Rebecca’s death is the third high profile female athlete to be killed in Kenya since 2021. Her murder has drawn quite an attention to the fact of prevalence of domestic violence cases in Kenya especially among the country’s running athletic community.

According to the 2022 government data, nearly 34 percent of Kenyan women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with married women particularly more vulnerable to domestic abuse and attacks. According to UN studies on women reports that every 11 minutes a woman is killed by a family member globally.