Breaking: Ugandan Olympian Dies After Being Set on Fire by Boyfriend

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died in Kenya, four days after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire, Ugandan athletics officials confirmed Thursday.

Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, announced her passing on X, stating, “We have learned of the tragic loss of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a brutal attack by her boyfriend. This senseless act has taken a great athlete from us, but her legacy will live on.”

Police reports say Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her in petrol and set her ablaze on Sunday at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya.

Cheptegei, 33, who had recently competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th, suffered burns covering 80% of her body. She had been receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, but doctors confirmed her organs failed overnight, leading to her death on Thursday.

According to Kenyan media, one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the horrific attack and recalled trying to intervene. “He kicked me when I tried to help my mother,” she said, explaining that a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful.

Marangach sustained 30% burns from the incident.

The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its sorrow on X, condemning the act of domestic violence and calling for justice.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Kenya, where 34% of women have reportedly experienced physical violence since age 15. Cheptegei’s death echoes the 2021 murder of Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, who was found stabbed at her home, and the death of athlete Damaris Mutua in Iten two years later.