The boyfriend of Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, has died as the result of wounds suffered when fatally burning Cheptegei. Marangach also burned himself in the altercation, and he developed fatal respiratory failure, according to a report from Reuters.
Marangach allegedly poured gasoline on Cheptegei, 33, and lit her on fire in the midst of a dispute over land. More than 75% of Cheptegei’s body was burned, and she died from organ failure just a few days later. Marangach burned over 40% of his body in the process, including severe burns to his airways.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke to Reuters about Marangach’s death.
“This guy is dead because he killed my daughter,” Josh Cheptegei said. “He has died because of his actions.”
Cheptegei was fresh off her appearance in the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th in the women’s marathon. In a statement after Cheptegei’s passing, the Uganda Athletics Federation called for an end to domestic violence.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation wrote in a statement. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”
Cheptegei was living in Kenya at the time of her death, and Team Kenya also released a statement condemning gender-based violence: “Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.”
Kenya has dealt with a few notable instances of lethal violence against elite female athletes in recent years. In 2021, Olympic runner Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death, and her husband was accused of killing her.
Shortly after that incident, Olympic athlete Damaris Mutua was suffocated to death with a pillow. Her boyfriend was cited as the main suspect in the murder.
