Tragic End: Death of Athlete Raises Domestic Violence Concerns

The man responsible for the brutal attack on Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died from burns incurred during the incident. This tragic event highlights the severe domestic violence issues facing Kenya's female athletes. Rights groups emphasize the urgent need for greater protection and justice for these women.

The man accused of dousing Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei in petrol and setting her alight has succumbed to burns sustained during the fatal attack, a hospital official announced on Tuesday. Cheptegei, 33, who competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, endured burns to more than 75% of her body on September 1 and died four days later.

Her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, died Monday evening due to severe airway burns and sepsis, stated Philip Kirwa, CEO of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where both were treated. 'He developed respiratory failure as a result of the burns,' Kirwa detailed in a statement.

Incidentally, Cheptegei is the third elite female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021, putting a spotlight on domestic violence within the athletics community. Rights groups warn that Kenyan female athletes risk exploitation and violence from men targeting their prize money, significantly higher than local wages.

(With inputs from agencies.)