Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, a recent participant in the Paris Olympics, is set to be airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment after a brutal attack by her estranged Kenyan boyfriend. The 33-year-old athlete, who sustained severe burns covering 80 percent of her body, is currently receiving initial care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. However, her condition has worsened, prompting the government to expedite her transfer to Nairobi for advanced medical intervention.
The incident, which occurred last Sunday at Cheptegei’s home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, has shocked both the sports community and the public. According to police reports, Cheptegei was attacked by Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who reportedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire. Marangach also suffered injuries in the attack, sustaining burns to 30 percent of his body.
Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum confirmed that the Kenyan government is coordinating with Ugandan authorities to ensure Cheptegei receives the best possible care. “We’re in touch with the Ugandan authorities to ensure Rebecca receives the best treatment,” Tum stated during a press briefing for the Nairobi City Marathon.
A medical counsellor at MTRH, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, revealed that Cheptegei’s condition has deteriorated significantly. “Cheptegei has developed a bacterial infection of sepsis due to the severe injuries to the stomach and the lower part of the body,” the counsellor reported. This development underscores the urgent need for specialized treatment, which is now being arranged in Nairobi.
The attack on Cheptegei has brought renewed attention to issues of violence against women in Kenya. This is not an isolated case, but rather part of a troubling pattern. In recent years, the Kenyan sports community has been rocked by similar incidents. Notably, in 2021, Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in Iten, a renowned running hub. Another tragic case involved Agnes Tirop, a record-breaking Kenyan runner who was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. Tirop’s estranged husband is currently on trial for her murder, having denied the charges.
These incidents highlight a broader issue of gender-based violence in Kenya. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 34 percent of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. This statistic points to a deeply entrenched problem that extends beyond the realm of sports and into the broader societal context.
The assault on Cheptegei also raises questions about the safety and security of athletes, particularly female athletes, who often face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. The international sports community has been vocal in condemning violence and advocating for the protection of athletes, but incidents like these reveal the ongoing need for systemic changes to address and prevent such violence.
As the world awaits updates on Cheptegei’s condition, the focus will be on ensuring she receives the necessary care and support for her recovery. The swift response from the Kenyan government and Ugandan authorities is a critical step in this process, but it is also essential to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence.
The sports community, both in Kenya and globally, must continue to stand against violence and advocate for the safety and well-being of athletes. Cheptegei’s case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect individuals from violence and support those affected by it. As she prepares for treatment in Nairobi, the hope is that she will receive the care she needs and that her case will contribute to a broader conversation about preventing violence and supporting survivors.
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