The man who brutally attacked Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died from his injuries, according to the Kenyan hospital where he was being treated. Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who poured petrol over Cheptegei and set her on fire, sustained 30% burns during the attack and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Cheptegei, a 33-year-old mother of two, died last week from 80% burns sustained in the attack. The incident occurred on September 1 at her home in western Kenya, where Marangach had been hiding in a chicken coop before ambushing her.
The attack has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, highlighting the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Kenya. Cheptegei’s death follows those of fellow athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, who were also killed by their partners in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Marangach’s death brings no solace to Cheptegei’s family and loved ones, who are still grappling with the loss of a talented and promising athlete. Cheptegei will be laid to rest on September 14 in eastern Uganda.
The incident has reignited calls for action against gender-based violence in Kenya, where 725 femicide cases were reported in 2022 alone. The government and civil society organizations must work together to address this scourge and ensure justice for victims like Cheptegei.”
