Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away following a fire attack allegedly carried out by her partner. She succumbed to burn injuries in the intensive care unit of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. According to Dr. Owen Menach, interim director at MTRH, “Unfortunately, we lost her after all of her organs failed last night.”
Dr. Menach added that the hospital would release a detailed report later in the day. Cheptegei’s alleged partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, reportedly doused her in gasoline and set her on fire, resulting in burns that covered 80% of her body, leading to severe organ damage.
Marangach also sustained burn injuries during the incident, with approximately 30% of his body affected. He was admitted to the same intensive care unit as Cheptegei. Reports suggest that Marangach broke into Cheptegei’s home on Sunday night with a five-liter jerrycan of gasoline. After Cheptegei and her children left for church, Marangach returned, doused her with gasoline, and ignited the fire. Neighbors intervened and managed to rescue both individuals, who were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete’s father, clarified that the two were only acquaintances. He explained that they had been having disputes over her land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia. “They were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away what belonged to my daughter,” said Mzee Cheptegei.
Mzee Cheptegei further mentioned that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is investigating the case. He added that Cheptegei was the mother of two children, whose father resides in Uganda. Though the couple had separated some time ago, Mzee Cheptegei alleged that Marangach had premeditated the attack when he broke into the house on Sunday.
