Last Updated on July 21, 2025 by Ayoko Ahite

Domestic violence occurs every day in all parts of the world. Victims may be children, women, or men of all ages and backgrounds. One of the most recent victims of Domestic violence is none other than Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Olympic Marathon runner from Uganda. She recently participated in the Olympic Games in Paris and finished 44th in the women’s marathon on August 11, 2024. Little did she know at the time that a few weeks later, she would be at a hospital in Kenya where she lives, suffering from over 75% body burns and fighting for her life.

The alleged perpetrator is none other than her ex-boyfriend, who doused her with gasoline before setting her on fire on September 1, 2024, according to local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, who spoke to Kenyan newspaper The Star. According to Kosiom, neighbors witnessed Rebecca Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, arguing. They also saw him pour gasoline on her and set her on fire.

The hospital where she is being treated, along with her ex-boyfriend, who is also suffering a 30% body burn, made it clear that they are doing all they can to save her life.

Update: Rebecca Cheptegei passed away on September 5, 2024. May her soul rest in peace. Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend, who set her on fire, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, also passed away a few days later on September 10, 2024.

***We will always stand for all victims of Domestic Violence. The Domestic Violence hotline for the United States is 800 799 7233.***