Ugandan long-distance runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, remains in a critical condition after being set on fire by a Kenyan man, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, at her home in Endebess, Kenya. The 33-year-old athlete, who participated in the Paris Olympics just weeks ago, sustained severe burns to 80% of her body and is being treated at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Despite efforts to save her life, Cheptegei’s condition has worsened, with a bacterial infection of sepsis developing due to her severe injuries.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, was witnessed by one of Cheptegei’s daughters, who tried to intervene but was kicked by the assailant. The neighbor’s attempt to extinguish the flames with water was unsuccessful. Marangach, who was initially described as Cheptegei’s partner, also sustained 30% burns on his body.
The Ugandan and Kenyan governments are involved in Cheptegei’s care, with efforts underway to airlift her to Nairobi for specialized treatment. This incident comes two years after the murder of Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua and the stabbing death of record-breaking Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, highlighting the alarming rate of violence against women in Kenya, with 34% of women experiencing physical violence since the age of 15.
