The Kinyoro community in Trans-Nzoia is reeling from shock after Paris Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei was brutally attacked by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, on Sunday, September 2.
The violent confrontation occurred when Marangach reportedly infiltrated Cheptegei’s home around 2 p.m., while the athlete and their children were attending church. Upon their return, a domestic dispute escalated into physical violence.
According to Kenyans.co.ke, Marangach allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her on fire, resulting in severe burns. In the ensuing chaos, Marangach also sustained burns.
According to a statement from area chief Rose Chebet, neighbors were alerted by Cheptegei's distress calls and promptly transported both individuals to Kitale Level Four Hospital.
On Tuesday, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) issued a statement confirming that Cheptegei, who represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics, had sustained severe injuries and was now hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The UAF’s statement noted that Cheptegei had been attacked by her Kenyan partner, Marangach, who had set her on fire.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom verified the details of the incident, reporting that Cheptegei suffered 75 percent burns.
Police discovered a 5-litre yellow jerrycan, a bag, a black beanie presumed to belong to Marangach, and a burnt mobile phone at the scene.
Cheptegei is currently fighting for her life at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
This attack follows her recent participation in the Paris Olympics, where she finished 48th in the marathon and her previous involvement in the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
Marangach is expected to face legal charges as investigations into the incident continue.
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