Ugandan Athlete Cheptegei Dies from Attack

Dickson Ndiema Marangach, the former partner of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, has died from burn injuries he sustained while allegedly attacking her on September 1, 2024. Cheptegei, who suffered burns to over 75% of her body, died four days later due to organ failure. The tragic incident occurred during a dispute over a land purchase, leading to Ndiema reportedly dousing Cheptegei with petrol and igniting it. Both were treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where Ndiema died shortly after Cheptegei. This incident highlights the alarming issue of domestic violence in Kenya, especially affecting female athletes, with nearly 34% of women experiencing physical violence according to 2022 government data. Cheptegei's death marks her as the third elite sportswoman killed in Kenya since October 2021, raising concerns about safety and exploitation within the athletic community.