By Felicia Udeji
Dickson Ndiema Marangach, the man who brutally attacked Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei with petrol, has finally faced the consequences of his actions, succumbing to injuries sustained during the attack.
Truth Live News had earlier reported that Cheptegei was battling for life after being set ablaze by her lover.
Marangach, who had been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya, died on Tuesday evening. The hospital confirmed his death, stating that his family had been informed and a comprehensive statement would be released later.
The attack on Cheptegei, which occurred on September 1, left her with 80 percent burns. She tragically passed away last week, leaving behind two young daughters who witnessed the horrific incident.
Truth Live News had earlier reported on Cheptegei’s tragic death.
Cheptegei’s death is not an isolated incident. Unfortunately, it is part of a disturbing trend of gender-based violence in Kenya, which has claimed the lives of several athletes in recent years.
In 2021, Kenyan distance runner Agnes Tirop was found dead at her home in Iten, with her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, being arrested and charged with her murder.
In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahrain athlete Damaris Mutua was also killed by her estranged partner, who stabbed her to death in her home in Nairobi.
These incidents highlight the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in Kenya, which affects women from all walks of life, including athletes. According to the latest UN figures, Kenya saw 725 femicide cases in 2022 alone, with many more cases going unreported.
The death of Rebecca Cheptegei serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the need for urgent action to protect women and girls from such heinous crimes.
Her family has announced that she will be buried on September 14 in eastern Uganda.