Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei in Critical Condition After Brutal Attack by Estranged Husband
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the incident, noting that Cheptegei had sustained 75 percent burns
Rebecca Cheptegei-Courtesy Skynews.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympian who competed in the Paris Olympics, is currently fighting for her life at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret after a brutal attack by her estranged husband, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, last Sunday.
Cheptegei reportedly sustained severe burns covering 75 percent of her body in an incident stemming from a domestic dispute at Kinyoro village in Trans Nzoia County. Her husband, Marangach, also suffered significant burns and is receiving treatment at the same hospital after being transferred from Kitale County Referral Hospital.
“The couple has been taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to stabilize their condition, which was critical when they were brought to the facility on Monday,” stated Owen Menach, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. “Our medical team is working around the clock to save their lives,” he added, declining to provide further details.
The incident reportedly began as a domestic dispute that quickly escalated. Area Chief Rose Chebet disclosed that Marangach had sneaked into Cheptegei’s home around 2 p.m. while she and their children were at church. Upon her return, an argument ensued over a long-standing feud regarding the ownership of a prime plot and house in town. It was during this altercation that Marangach allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her on fire. During the commotion, he also suffered burns.
Cheptegei’s cries for help alerted neighbors, who rushed to the scene and transported the couple to Kitale Level Four Hospital before they were referred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the incident, noting that Cheptegei had sustained 75 percent burns. “At the scene, we recovered a 5-liter yellow jerry can, a bag, a black beanie believed to belong to Marangach, and a burnt mobile phone,” he said.
The tragic event occurred just weeks after Cheptegei competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 48th alongside her Ugandan teammates Stella Chesang and Mercy Chelangat. She is also known for her participation in the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
Police indicated that Marangach will face charges in court once investigations are completed.
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