Ugandan Olympian Dies Following Assault by Ex-Partner, Family Demands Justice

Thursday 05 September 2024 - 15:00

The family of Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic athlete who tragically died in Kenya, is demanding justice after her former partner allegedly set her on fire. The 33-year-old long-distance runner, who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries in a hospital in Eldoret, Kenya.

Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke to the media, expressing his grief and calling for the prosecution of the suspect, Dickson Marangach. “I have a lot of grief because I’ve lost my daughter. I seek your help so that this person who has killed my daughter can be prosecuted,” he said.

According to police reports, the incident occurred in Endebess town, Trans-Nzoia county, when Marangach allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her ablaze. This followed a dispute over land ownership. Cheptegei suffered burns over more than 80% of her body and died of multiple organ failure, despite efforts by medical staff to save her. Marangach, who also sustained burns, remains under medical care and investigation.

Cheptegei was well-known for her athletic achievements, having qualified for the 2024 Olympics with a personal best of 2:22:47 in the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2022. She was part of a 25-member Ugandan team and finished 44th in the women’s marathon in Paris.

Her death has shocked Uganda and Kenya, where she trained. Uganda’s sports minister, Peter Ogwang, called the incident “tragic,” while Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, described it as “deeply disturbing.” Museveni also expressed her condolences to the family and the nation, praising Cheptegei’s contribution to athletics.

The incident has reignited discussions around gender-based violence, particularly in sports. This is not the first time Kenya has faced such issues. In 2021, long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home, with her partner being the prime suspect. The following year, Bahraini athlete Damaris Mutua, originally from Kenya, was killed under similar circumstances.

Gender-based violence remains a significant issue in Kenya, with a 2022 survey revealing that 34% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence. Activists like Njeri wa Migwi, co-founder of Usikimye, a nonprofit supporting victims of such violence, have condemned the societal acceptance of these crimes. “In all honor of Rebecca Cheptegei, this should not have happened. This should not continue to happen,” Migwi emphasized.

Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, expressed his sadness over Cheptegei’s death, condemning the violence and calling it a “senseless act.” Kenya’s sports minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, echoed these sentiments, stating that the tragedy highlights the need for stronger measures against gender-based violence in society, particularly within the sporting community.

Rebecca Cheptegei leaves behind two daughters. The family and community now wait for justice as authorities continue to investigate the tragic incident.