Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei in Critical Condition After Domestic Dispute Turns Violent
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret following a brutal attack by her estranged husband, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, last Sunday. The incident, which occurred in Kinyoro village, Trans Nzoia County, has left the athlete fighting for her life after sustaining severe burns.
Cheptegei, who participated in the recent Paris Olympics, suffered burns over 75% of her body. Her Kenyan husband, Marangach, who also suffered serious burns, is receiving treatment at the same hospital. Both were transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital from Kitale County Referral Hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Owen Menach, confirmed that the couple has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is in critical condition. “The couple has been taken to ICU to stabilize their condition, which was serious when they were brought to the facility on Monday,” Menach stated, declining to provide further details.
The tragic incident is believed to have been sparked by a domestic dispute between the couple. According to Rose Chebet, the area chief, Marangach allegedly sneaked into Cheptegei’s compound around 2 p.m. while she and their children were at church. The couple has reportedly been embroiled in ongoing disputes over the ownership of a prime plot and house in the town.
Upon Cheptegei’s return from church, a heated argument ensued, during which Marangach reportedly doused the 10,000-meter runner with petrol and set her on fire. In the chaos that followed, Marangach also sustained burns.
Neighbors, alerted by Cheptegei’s screams, rushed to the scene and transported the couple to Kitale Level Four Hospital before they were referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the incident, noting that Cheptegei had suffered 75% burns. At the scene, police recovered a 5-litre yellow jerry can, a bag, a black beanie believed to belong to Marangach, and a burnt mobile phone.
This tragic incident comes just weeks after Cheptegei participated in a marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 48th place alongside her Ugandan teammates Stella Chesang and Mercy Chelangat. Cheptegei is a seasoned athlete who also competed in the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
Police have stated that Marangach is expected to face charges once investigations are completed. The couple’s condition remains critical, and medical staff at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital are working tirelessly to save their lives.
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