The man accused of murdering Olympic long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei by setting her on fire has died from burns he sustained in the same attack. Dickson Ndiema Marangach, 32, passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where Cheptegei had previously succumbed to her injuries.
Marangach suffered respiratory failure due to severe airway burns. The tragic incident occurred after a dispute between Cheptegei and Marangach, who entered her home on September 1, poured gasoline on her, and ignited the fatal fire. Cheptegei sustained critical burns, leading to her death last Thursday.
Tony Sabila, a spokesperson for Cheptegei’s family, confirmed the news of Marangach’s demise following a call from the hospital.
The impact of Cheptegei’s death has resonated globally, particularly amongst women’s rights advocacy groups who had been vocal about the alarming rates of female homicides in Kenya and other African countries.
In 2022, Africa recorded the highest incidence of gender-based killings of women worldwide, with an estimated 20,000 reported cases according to the United Nations.
In other instances involving Kenyan athletes, there have been tragedies related to femicide. For instance, in 2021, Agnes Jebet Tirop, a celebrated Kenyan runner known for setting a world record in the 10-kilometer race, was fatally stabbed in her own residence. Her husband was later charged with her murder.
Similarly, a year following this incident, Damaris Muthee Mutua, an athlete originally from Kenya who represented Bahrain in competitions, was discovered strangled in Iten, Kenya. These cases highlight the grim reality of gender-based violence that continues to affect women, including prominent athletes, in various parts of the world.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a member of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), will be given a military burial in Bukwo, on Saturday, September 14th, 2024. Col. Deo Akiiki confirmed that Cheptegei, who was part of the UPDF’s sports department, will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of her service.
