Tributes pour in after athlete Rebecca Cheptegei’s death

Sep 05, 2024

Ugandan sports state minister Peter Ogwang said the Kenyan authorities were investigating the circumstances under which Cheptegei, 33, died and a more detailed report and programme would be provided in due course.

Rebecca Cheptegei competes in the women's marathon final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on August 26, 2023. Cheptegei has succumbed to burns following an attack. (AFP)

Umaru Kashaka
Journalist @New Vision

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Tributes are pouring in after the death of Ugandan long-distance athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, in Kenya on Thursday (September 5).

She had been hospitalized after allegedly being set on fire by her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who was also injured by the flames.

Ugandan sports state minister Peter Ogwang said the Kenyan authorities were investigating the circumstances under which Cheptegei, 33, died and a more detailed report and programme would be provided in due course.

“The long-distance runner represented us in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics. I send my deepest condolences to the family, relatives, sports fraternity and Ugandans at large,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Rebecca Cheptegei applies an ice bag on her head as she competes in the women's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games  in Paris on August 11, 2024

Rebecca Cheptegei applies an ice bag on her head as she competes in the women's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 11, 2024

Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Ruhinda North MP Thomas Tayebwa also took to X to pay tribute to Cheptegei.

“So sad to learn of the death of our Olympic marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, who succumbed to injuries sustained after being doused with fuel and set on fire by her former boyfriend. I hope and pray the Kenyan government brings the perpetrator to book. This is very sad and totally unacceptable! Rest in Peace, champion,” he wrote.

Kipchumba Murkomen, the Kenyan cabinet secretary of youth affairs, creative economy and sports, said in a statement that the deceased was an outstanding athlete who showcased the spirit of resilience in representing Uganda and East Africa.

“Her passing is not only a loss to Uganda and the athletics community, but to the entire region,” he said.

As a government, Murkomen added, we remain committed to supporting justice for Cheptegei. “No one should have to go through such an ordeal,” he stated.  

The president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Donald Rukare, said Cheptegei’s death followed a vicious attack by her boyfriend.

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” he said.

According to the Kenyan Police, Marangach doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her alight on Sunday at her home in Endebess in the western county of Trans-Nzoia.

The incident took place just weeks after Cheptegei had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she was placed 44th.

Cheptegei suffered burns to over 70% of her body in the attack, the acting head of the facility where she was being treated told reporters on Tuesday.

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