Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei is fighting for her life after being set on fire by a Kenyan man just weeks after competing in the Paris Olympics.
The 33-year-old is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya, following the attack on Sunday, where she suffered burns to 80% of her body. Hospital CEO Owen Menach stated that all efforts are being made to save her.
Police have arrested Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and ignited her at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County. An official medical update was not provided on Wednesday, but a hospital counsellor, speaking anonymously, indicated that her condition had deteriorated due to a bacterial infection of sepsis caused by severe injuries.
Kenyan sports ministry official Peter Tum announced that both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments are involved in her care, with plans to airlift her to Nairobi for specialized treatment.
Reports indicate that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the attack, stating, “He kicked me while I tried to save my mother.” A neighbour attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful. Cheptegei has two daughters, aged nine and 11.
Marangach also suffered burns, covering 30% of his body. Initially described as Cheptegei’s partner, her father clarified that she is married to a Ugandan man who was not present in Kenya. “My heart is tearing,” he lamented. “I have never seen such cruelty… I only cry for justice.”
Cheptegei finished 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Games on August 11. This incident follows previous tragedies involving female athletes in the region, including the death of Damaris Mutua in 2021 and Agnes Tirop, who was murdered that same year.
Recent statistics indicate that 34% of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since age 15.