Fatal Outcome for Attacker of Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei
Oluwasegun Sanusi reports that the man responsible for attacking Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, has died due to injuries sustained during the assault. The incident, which occurred in western Kenya on September 1, saw Marangach suffer 30% burns after setting Cheptegei on fire, who tragically succumbed to 80% burns last week.
Hospital Confirms Attacker’s Death
Officials at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, confirmed Dickson Ndiema Marangach’s death in their ICU Monday evening. “We lost Dickson Ndiema last night at about 8:00 pm,” a hospital spokesperson stated. The spokesperson also noted that Marangach’s family had been informed about the event shortly thereafter. The confirmation highlights the tragic conclusion to the assault incident involving Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei. Marangach’s death followed the severe injuries he sustained during the attack.
Widespread Outrage Over Gender-Based Violence
The assault on Cheptegei has sparked considerable outrage, highlighting the increasing issue of gender-based violence in the region. Cheptegei, who had competed in the Paris Olympic Games, became another high-profile victim of violent attacks against women, following similar incidents involving athletes Agnes Tirop in 2021 and Bahrain-born Damaris Mutua in 2022.
Details of the Attack
Police revealed that Marangach entered Cheptegei’s home while she was at church with her children. He had bought five litres of petrol and waited in a chicken coop before initiating the attack, which was witnessed by Cheptegei’s daughters. The attack underscored ongoing family disputes, with local authorities confirming the turbulent relationship between Cheptegei and Marangach.
Urgent Calls for Action Against Gender-Based Violence
This incident has intensified calls for robust action against gender-based violence in Kenya, where the United Nations noted 725 femicide cases in 2022. Cheptegei’s upcoming funeral on September 14 near her family home in eastern Uganda has drawn attention and calls for justice, similar to previous cases involving athletes killed by ex-partners.
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