The former boyfriend of Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who faced allegations of murdering her by igniting her with fire, has succumbed to the injuries he incurred during the incident.
This unfortunate development was reported by the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, on Tuesday, September 10, where both Cheptegei and her ex-partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, received medical care.
Cheptegei, aged 33 and a representative of Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, suffered extensive burns affecting over 75 per cent of her body during the attack on September 1. She passed away from her injuries four days later.
Marangach died at 7:50 PM local time on Monday due to the burns he sustained, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Daniel Lang’at. Reports indicate that the couple was embroiled in a heated dispute regarding land before the incident occurred.
According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, purchased a jerrycan of petrol, doused her with it, and set her on fire during an argument on Sunday, September 8.
Ndiema also suffered burns and was receiving treatment at the same facility. The Ugandan Athletics Federation acknowledged Cheptegei’s passing in a statement on X, denouncing the act of ‘domestic violence’ and advocating for justice for the marathon athlete.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, the Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed that Cheptegei was hospitalised in Eldoret after her Kenyan boyfriend set her on fire.
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