Tragic End to a Devastating Crime
The man accused of attacking Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died from severe burns sustained during the assault, according to a hospital official. The tragic incident, which occurred on September 1, has cast a spotlight on the pressing issue of domestic violence, particularly within Kenya’s athletic community.
Accused’s Death of Rebecca Cheptegei
Philip Kirwa, the CEO of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, confirmed that Dickson Ndiema Marangach, the former boyfriend of Cheptegei, passed away at 6:30 PM local time (3:30 PM GMT) on Monday. Marangach, who was receiving treatment for severe burns, succumbed to respiratory failure caused by the extensive damage to his airways and subsequent sepsis.
Marangach had suffered burns on over 41% of his body following his alleged attack on Rebecca Cheptegei, who was doused in petrol and set alight after returning home from church with her children. The Olympic runner, who had participated in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and finished in 44th place, was reported to have suffered burns to more than 75% of her body. Four days after the incident, she passed away from her wounds.
Impact on the Community
Rebecca Cheptegei death has brought renewed attention to the issue of domestic violence in Kenya, especially within the nation’s renowned running community. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed a sense of grim justice following Marangach’s death, stating, “This guy is dead because he killed my daughter. Because of what he did, he has passed away.
Rights organizations have long highlighted the vulnerability of female athletes in Kenya, where the allure of prize money often attracts unscrupulous individuals. These athletes, who train in high-altitude regions, are frequently exposed to exploitation and violence. Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels—a support group for survivors of domestic violence in Kenya’s athletic community—emphasized the ongoing shock and grief over Cheptegei’s death. “The shock of Rebecca’s death is still fresh,” she said.
Tirop’s Angels was established in memory of Agnes Tirop, a promising Kenyan runner who was tragically killed in October 2021. Tirop was found with multiple stab wounds in her Iten home. Ibrahim Rotich, her spouse, has entered a not guilty plea to charges of her murder. The matter is still pending.
Widespread Domestic Violence
The tragic deaths of Rebecca Cheptegei and Tirop underline a broader issue of domestic violence in Kenya. Nearly 34% of Kenyan women between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced physical abuse, with married women being especially susceptible, according to official statistics from 2022.The data revealed that 41% of married women have faced such violence.
Globally, the issue is similarly dire, with a woman being killed by a family member every 11 minutes, according to a 2023 UN Women study. These statistics highlight the urgent need for systemic change and support for victims.
Calls for Justice and Reform
While Marangach’s death might be seen by some as poetic justice, others feel it deprives the justice system of the opportunity to hold him accountable. Beatrice Ayikoru, Secretary-General of the Uganda Olympic Committee, expressed a desire for Marangach to have faced legal consequences. “I don’t want harm on anyone, but naturally, I would have rather that he be brought up in court to serve as an example to others and put an end to these assaults on women.,” Ayikoru said.
#Mundo | 💔 ¡Qué tristeza! La maratonista ugandesa Rebecca Cheptegei falleció el jueves en Kenia, cuatro días después de que su compañero sentimental la rociara con gasolina y le prendiera fuego ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/t7ZwKkG45w
— El Colombiano (@elcolombiano) September 6, 2024Rebecca Cheptegei death serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater protections and support for women, particularly within vulnerable communities. As Kenya and the international community reflect on these tragedies, the focus must remain on addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring justice for victims.
