Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by Ayoko Francisca Ahite

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, died on September 5, 2024, four days after her former partner allegedly poured gasoline on her and set her on fire at her home in Kenya.

According to police, the attack occurred on September 1 following an argument between Cheptegei and her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. She suffered burns to more than 75% of her body and was treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she later died.

Just weeks earlier, Cheptegei had represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the women’s marathon on August 11, 2024.

Ndiema also sustained burns during the attack and was hospitalized. He died on September 9, 2024, with the hospital confirming his death the following day.

Cheptegei’s death is a devastating reminder of the lives lost to domestic violence. We stand with victims and survivors everywhere. May she rest in peace.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in the United States, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.