Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Horrific Attack by Ex-Boyfriend

Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympian and long-distance runner has deeply shocked her friends, family and the East African athletics community with her tragic death. The 33-year-old mother-of-two succumbed to severe burns on Thursday morning, following a horrifying attack by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. The incident occurred on Sunday outside her home in north-western Kenya.

Marangach allegedly doused Cheptegei in petrol and set her on fire. Her distraught mother, Agnes Cheptegei briefly spoke to reporters outside the hospital where Rebecca had died, describing her daughter as kind-hearted and a “good child.” Her sister, Violet, could barely contain her grief, expressing her pain and leaving the situation in God’s hands. The attack happened shortly after Rebecca Cheptegei had returned from church.

According to police, her young daughters witnessed the brutal act and attempted to intervene. The community is left in mourning, grappling with the loss of an athlete celebrated for her achievements and her personal contributions. This tragedy has deeply affected her loved ones and the East African athletics community. The shocking nature of the attack has left a profound impact on those who knew her and admired her achievements.

The athletics community in East Africa is mourning the loss of a celebrated athlete and a beloved figure.