Kenya: The tragic death of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, has cast a spotlight on domestic violence within the sports community. Cheptegei, who recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, died after her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly set her on fire during a land dispute. The attack occurred in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, near the Uganda-Kenya border, where Cheptegei had settled.
The Attack and Aftermath
On September 1, Cheptegei was ambushed by Marangach at her home after returning from church with her children. Marangach reportedly upset over a land dispute, snuck into her home with a five-litre can of gasoline. He doused her in fuel and set her ablaze, causing severe burns to 80% of her body. Marangach also sustained burns during the attack, as some of the gasoline splashed onto him, setting him on fire as well.
Cheptegei was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries a week later. Marangach, who had burns on about 30% of his body, died on Monday from respiratory failure due to severe airway burns and sepsis, according to a statement from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. Following his death, the criminal case against Marangach has been dropped. Authorities are now leading an inquest into the deaths of both Cheptegei and Marangach.
A Broader Issue of Violence Against Women
Cheptegei’s death adds to the disturbing statistics on violence against women in Kenya. According to a 2022 government report, nearly 34% of Kenyan girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women at particular risk. About 41% of married women in Kenya reported facing violence from their partners. Globally, a woman is killed by someone in her family every 11 minutes, according to a 2023 U.N. Women study.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s death serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence, not just in Kenya but worldwide. The tragic loss of yet another promising athlete underscores the urgent need for greater protection for women, particularly in communities where exploitation and violence remain prevalent.
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