A Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei, is in critical condition in a Kenyan hospital following an attack by her partner. According to local authorities, Dickson Ndiema Marangach allegedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her ablaze while she and her children were at church. The assault occurred in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, on Sunday.
Cheptegei, a long-distance runner who placed 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, sustained burns over 75% of her body. She has been transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in intensive care. A MTRH staff member, who requested anonymity, said, “Her condition looks serious with facial burns and bandages.”
Both Cheptegei and Marangach, who also suffered burns, were initially treated at Kitale County Referral Hospital. According to a police report, “Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring (it) on Rebecca before he set her ablaze.” The report also noted that Cheptegei’s children were not harmed in the attack.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “Rebecca Cheptegei has suffered severe injuries following an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her.” This tragic event highlights the persistent issue of gender-based violence in Kenya, where 34% of women have reported experiencing physical violence since the age of 15, according to the Kenyan Bureau of National Statistics.
Cheptegei’s parents are traveling from Uganda to be with her. Local media reports that she had recently invested in property in the area, noting, “Rebecca had bought land and built a house in the Trans-Nzoia area which lies on the border with Uganda.” This incident follows other high-profile cases of violence against female athletes in Kenya, underscoring the urgent need for stronger measures to address gender-based violence.
