Suspect in Uganda-born Olympic athlete’s death dies from gasoline attack

On September 10, reports emerged that Dickson Ndiema Marangach, the ex-partner accused of killing Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, has also succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Marangach, 32, died from burns covering 40% of his body at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. This facility was where Cheptegei herself was declared deceased just a week earlier.

According to a hospital statement, Marangach experienced respiratory failure due to severe airway burns. Police indicated that Marangach had planned to murder Cheptegei by pouring gasoline on her, leading to devastating burns for both parties. Following the attack, both were hospitalized at the same institution.

Tragically, the deaths come mere weeks after Cheptegei had competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon. Injured in the same attack, she sustained 80% burns and, like Marangach, required extensive medical care before passing away. Last week, Cheptegei’s family publicly called for justice against her alleged attacker.

A tribute honoring the late runner was held on Sunday in Paris, arranged by the organizers of the Paralympic Games during the marathon competition. The event emphasized the loss felt within the sporting community.

Rebecca Cheptegei, at 33 years of age, had made a name for herself as a remarkable marathon runner. She previously won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, two years prior to her untimely death. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced plans to name a sports venue in Cheptegei’s honor, stating, “Paris will not forget her.”

The horrific assault took place at Cheptegei’s home in western Kenya after she returned from church with her two children. Local authorities indicated that the couple had engaged in a dispute over a piece of land Cheptegei had acquired for her future home. Witnesses reported hearing the couple arguing outside their residence in Endebess when the attack occurred. Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed that Marangach was seen dousing Cheptegei with a flammable liquid before igniting it.

The incident highlights a troubling trend of violence against women in Kenya, with at least 34% of women reporting having experienced physical abuse. Alongside Cheptegei, several Kenyan athletes have faced acts of femicide in recent years, raising alarm over the growing problem of gender-based violence within the nation.

Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen expressed the urgent need to address this societal issue, stating that such tragedies increasingly impact even elite athletes. A 2022 United Nations report revealed alarming statistics, indicating that Africa has the highest rates of gender-based violence and femicide globally, with an estimated 20,000 women falling victim that year—though actual figures could be higher.

Cheptegei is not the only athlete to face such violence. Last year, Ugandan steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was murdered by assailants in Eldoret. Additionally, Kenyans have faced similar tragedies, such as the 2022 strangulation of Bahraini runner Damaris Mutua in the Rift Valley and the stabbing death of record-setting long-distance runner Agnes Tirop by her husband in the same area months prior.

In light of these events, the Uganda Olympic Committee condemned violence against women. Donald Rukare, president of the committee, expressed profound grief over Cheptegei’s death, stating, “May her gentle soul rest in peace, and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”

As communities mourn the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei, the need for effective measures to protect women and tackle gender-based violence becomes increasingly urgent.

Source: UPI