Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Allegedly Being Set on Fire by Boyfriend

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei passed away in Kenya on Thursday, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend, according to medical personnel and Ugandan athletics officials. The incident has sparked further outrage over the rising cases of gender-based violence in East Africa.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei… following a brutal attack by her boyfriend,” Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, posted on X (formerly Twitter). He condemned the act as “cowardly and senseless,” noting that Cheptegei’s legacy as an athlete will endure.

The attack occurred on Sunday in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, where her boyfriend, identified as Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire, police confirmed. Cheptegei had recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon.

Medics at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya reported that Cheptegei had sustained burns on 80% of her body. Her condition worsened over the week, and she passed away early Thursday morning after all her organs failed.

Tributes have poured in for Cheptegei, with the Uganda Athletics Federation expressing deep sadness and calling for justice on social media. The Kenya National Olympic Committee also offered condolences, highlighting Cheptegei’s achievements as Uganda’s women’s marathon record holder and her participation in the Paris Olympics.

Cheptegei’s daughters, who witnessed the attack, reportedly cried for help as a neighbour unsuccessfully attempted to extinguish the flames. Marangach, who also sustained burns in the attack, remains under investigation.