The man accused of setting Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei on fire passed away from his injuries less than a week after the attack.
Last week, the world was shocked by the horrific news that Cheptegei, who had participated in the Paris Olympic Games and finished 44th in the marathon, was attacked by her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema Marangach after returning from church with her two daughters on September 5.
Reports revealed that Marangach poured gasoline on Cheptegei before setting her ablaze, resulting in burns covering 80% of her body, which led to her tragic death.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed Cheptegei’s passing on Twitter, stating: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, 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.”
Five days after the incident, reports emerged that Marangach had also succumbed to his injuries. He had sustained burns during the attack on Cheptegei and was reported to have passed away on Monday (September 9) at 7:50 p.m. local time at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, western Kenya.
“He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained,” a spokesperson informed Reuters.
Local media previously reported that Marangach had suffered 30% burns when he allegedly set Cheptegei on fire.
CNN reports that Cheptegei is the third female athlete to have died in Kenya since October 2021. The country attracts international runners for training due to its high-altitude highlands, but female athletes face risks of exploitation and violence from men enticed by the substantial prize money available, surpassing local incomes.
Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, a support group for survivors of domestic violence in the Kenyan athletics community, expressed her thoughts on Marangach’s demise: “Justice would have been for him to be in prison and reflect on what he had done. This is absolutely not positive news.”
Neighbors recounted their futile attempts to save Cheptegei as she ran out of her burning house, screaming for help.
Agnes Barabara, a neighbor, shared with the BBC: “When I came out, I saw Rebecca running towards my burning house, screaming for help.
“When I went to get water and started calling for help, her attacker appeared again and poured more gasoline on her.”
