Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated Ugandan long-distance runner, is battling for her life in a Kenyan hospital after being doused with petrol and set on fire, reportedly by her partner.
The harrowing incident has once again brought the issue of gender-based violence into sharp focus, highlighting the dangers many women face, even those in the public eye.
Cheptegei, 33, who competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, was attacked at her home in Endebess, located in Kenya’s Trans-Nzoia County, on Sunday afternoon.
According to police reports, her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly broke into her home while she and her children were at church. Upon their return, Marangach, who had procured petrol, allegedly poured it on Cheptegei before setting her on fire. The flames also injured Marangach.
Neighbors, hearing her cries for help, rushed to the scene and managed to rescue both Cheptegei and Marangach. The two were initially taken to Kitale County Referral Hospital, where they were admitted with severe burns. They were later transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for specialized care, with Cheptegei being admitted to the intensive care unit due to the severity of her injuries.
A staff member at MTRH, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described Cheptegei’s condition as “serious,” noting that she had suffered extensive burns, particularly to her face.
Local media reports suggest that over 75 percent of her body has been affected by the burns, and her parents are currently en route from Uganda to be by her side.
The attack has shocked the athletics community and the wider public, sparking conversations about the prevalence of domestic violence in East Africa.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed its deep regret over the incident, noting that Cheptegei had “suffered severe injuries” and calling for justice.
Cheptegei’s story is a tragic reminder that even those who achieve greatness in their careers are not immune to the horrors of domestic violence.
Her case has drawn attention to the need for stronger protections for women and more robust legal frameworks to prevent such incidents.
As Cheptegei fights for her life, her story is a call to action for authorities, communities, and individuals to confront and combat gender-based violence, ensuring that no woman suffers such a fate again.