Olympic Runner Cheptegei Overcame Her Violent Ex But Ultimately Lost Her Life, Reports Reuters

By Ammu Kannampilly

KINYORO, Kenya – On the morning of Sunday, September 1, Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei was preparing for church at her home in the western highlands of Kenya. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend made a call to a mutual friend asking to borrow a lighter, claiming he had "an emergency" and was leaving town.

The friend, retired runner Dennis Masai Chepkongin, noted that the ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, became secretive when questioned about the situation, prompting Chepkongin to refuse the request.

Tragically, just hours later, Marangach reportedly attacked Cheptegei, dousing her in petrol and setting her ablaze, as confirmed by her family and local police. Both succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Marangach could not be reached for comment before his death, and the incident itself is under investigation.

The area around Cheptegei’s home showed signs of the horrific attack, with reporters observing charred earth and lingering gasoline odors during a visit. Cheptegei’s 17-year-old sister, Dorcas, a victim of a separate attack during the incident, remained devastated.

The murder of Cheptegei, who had recently represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics, sent shockwaves around the globe but was sadly not surprising to her family. They shared insights into the challenges faced by female athletes in Kenya’s patriarchal society, where success often leads to predatory behavior and manipulation from men.

Cheptegei was the third female runner to lose her life in Kenya since 2021 at the hands of romantic partners. Her funeral was held with military honors in Uganda, given her position within the Ugandan defense forces.

A single mother of two, Cheptegei had left her relationship with Marangach and was financially independent, supporting her extended family. She had made multiple visits to the police this year to report threats and physical abuse from Marangach.

Her father, Joseph, recounted times when he warned police about the potential danger posed by Marangach, citing a violent incident in which Marangach broke her phone. Although the police advised Marangach to stay away, he ignored this request, prompting the family to seek further intervention, which they felt was inadequate.

Cheptegei’s tragic death has left the broader community of female runners fearful and frustrated. Many women have expressed discontent with the lack of accountability within the authorities and the national athletics body.

Violence against women is a pervasive issue in Kenya, with statistics showing that one in three women has experienced such violence. This year alone, a staggering number of intentional killings with gender-related motivations have been documented.

While some members of Athletics Kenya claim to have assisted young women escaping abusive situations, fellow athletes like Esther Chemtai recount personal experiences of abuse, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

Cheptegei, known for her straightforward nature, valued her independence and often conveyed the importance of financial autonomy to her sister. She dedicated resources to her family, including purchasing land for her father in 2016.

The relationship with Marangach began when Cheptegei lived in Uganda, and he encouraged her to relocate to Kenya for training. After moving into a modest home near Iten, a hub for distance running, their relationship deteriorated.

Conflicting narratives emerged about property ownership, with Cheptegei’s father denying claims that Marangach was entitled to the land where she lived. Despite his financial struggles before meeting Cheptegei, Marangach’s family suggested that the couple pooled their resources to acquire the land.

By January, Cheptegei had ended her relationship with Marangach and subsequently reported him to the police after he attempted to intimidate her into surrendering her property.

On the day of the attack, while Cheptegei and her family were at church, Marangach hid on her property and ambushed her upon her return. In the chaotic confrontation with him, Dorcas was also attacked while trying to assist her sister.

Cheptegei endured severe burns to 80% of her body and remained unrecognizable when hospitalized, passing away four days later.

Her family, grieving the immense loss, emphasized the support Cheptegei had provided to them. "Everyone in this compound depended on her. I don’t know what I will do now," her mother lamented in tears.