The attack on Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei resulted in her tragic death. The assailant, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, has also died from his injuries.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he tragic attack on Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei has ended with the death of her assailant, Dickson Ndiema Marangach.
He succumbed to injuries from burns sustained during the incident, according to a Kenyan hospital.
On September 1, Marangach assaulted Cheptegei at her home in western Kenya. The 33-year-old athlete suffered 80 per cent burns and died last week.
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Marangach sustained 30 per cent burns and was treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
An official from the hospital confirmed Marangach’s death occurred around 8:00 pm. His family has been informed, and a statement will be issued later. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, highlighting the issue of gender-based violence in Kenya.
Cheptegei, who made her Olympic debut in the women’s marathon in Paris, was set to be buried on September 14. Witnessed by her daughters, the horrific attack took place while she attended church.
The dispute that led to the violence reportedly involved property issues. Marangach had hidden in a chicken coop before pouring petrol on Cheptegei and igniting the flames. He threatened Cheptegei’s sister with a machete when she tried to help.
Violence against women is alarmingly common in Kenya. Reports indicate that 725 femicide cases occurred in 2022.
Cheptegei’s death is a continuation of a troubling trend, following the deaths of other female athletes at the hands of their partners.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
