The tragic and untimely death of Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has shaken the world of athletics.
Cheptegei, 33, passed away after a horrific petrol attack that occurred at her home in Trans Nzoia, Kenya.
Rebecca died after being hospitalized for burns inflicted by her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach.
Family’s Double Tragedy
The loss of Rebecca Cheptegei has left her family heartbroken.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of his daughter, describing her as the family’s breadwinner.
Her father, visibly distraught, spoke of the challenge the family now faces, particularly in ensuring that the children she was supporting complete their education.
“I have lost a daughter who helped me in many ways,” he said tearfully.
He went on to explain how the family had depended on her, especially for supporting the education of her younger siblings.
“We have children in secondary schools, and I don’t know how we are going to cope with this challenge to ensure they complete their studies,” he lamented.
In the wake of her death, the family of Rebecca Cheptegei has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Sunday’s Horrific Incident
The incident occurred in the 33-year-old runner’s Kenyan home in Eldoret on Sunday afternoon, after Cheptegei returned from church service with her children.
Marangach entered the house while the victims were at church, poured petrol on Rebecca, and set her on fire. He also suffered burns, though it is unclear if they were accidental or suicidal.
Cheptegei, a participant in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was recovering at the Moi Teaching Referral Hospital alongside Marangach after a domestic dispute that resulted in burns covering over 75% of her body, before succumbing.
The incident has not only left her family devastated but has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Land Disputes
At the heart of the tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei is an ongoing land dispute in Kinyoro, Trans Nzoia West.
After separating from her husband, Cheptegei had bought land in the area and had been living and training there. It is believed that this land dispute may have triggered the attack.
While details are still unclear, the police are investigating whether the attack was directly related to disagreements over the ownership or use of the land.
Land disputes in the region have historically led to violent confrontations, and Cheptegei may have been caught in one such conflict.
Gender-Based Violence
The story of Gender-Based violence is all too familiar in Eldoret, as several high-profile athletes have been victims of such attacks.
In 2021, renowned long-distance athlete Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home.
The murder trial is still ongoing with Tirop’s estranged husband, Emmanuel Rotich, the main suspect in the case, a charge he has denied.
Then in 2022, Kenyan-Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee Mutua was found dead in a rental house in Iten town, with a pillow over her face.
A post-mortem confirmed she was strangled, and her alleged lover, Ethiopian Eskinder Hailemariam Folie, was the prime suspect in her murder.
Rebecca’s Story
Rebecca Cheptegei’s life revolved around her passion for athletics. Starting her career as a teenager, she worked tirelessly to improve her skills, ultimately competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Her most significant achievement came when she represented Uganda in the marathon in last month’s 2024 Paris Olympics, an event that exposed her talent and determination on the global stage.
Despite facing personal challenges, including separation from her husband, Cheptegei remained committed to her training.
She relocated to Trans Nzoia, Kenya, where she purchased land and continued her rigorous training routine. Here, she met Ndiema, with whom she had a complex relationship that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Friends, fellow athletes, and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Cheptegei, describing her as a determined and inspirational figure who had much more to offer the world.
