The daughter of Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was doused in petrol and killed by her ex-boyfriend, has shared her terrifying account of the ordeal.
Cheptegei, who competed in this summer’s Paris Olympics, was attacked in her home on Sunday, left in an intensive care unit after suffering burns to more than 80 per cent of her body.
The 33-year-old died as a result of her injuries on Wednesday evening.
The attack took place in Endebess, Kenya where Cheptegei lived and trained, reportedly carried out by her former partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach who has now been pictured for the first time.
Cheptegei was returning from church with her two children, aged 12 and 13, and was confronted by Marangach.
A police report claims that during an argument between the two, Marangach doused Cheptegei in petrol before setting her on fire.
One of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault, telling the Kenyan press Marangach ‘kicked her’ as she tried to come to her mother’s aid.
The unnamed girl told Kenya’s The Standard: ‘He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.
‘I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible.’
Local reports claim the athlete and her ex-partner were arguing over a piece of land.
Following confirmation of Cheptegei’s passing, Donald Rukare, chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee, said: ‘May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women.
‘This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.’
A statement from the Ugandan Athletics Federation on social media read: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
‘As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.’
Her father Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, paid tribute to his daughter and called for justice against the man responsible.
‘I have lost a daughter who has been helping in many ways,’ he said, via The Star. ‘We have children in secondary schools and I don’t know how we are going to cope with this challenge to ensure they complete their studies.
‘From the day we lost her, the government has been slow in probing the matter,’ he added. ‘We have raised the matter with the police but there has still been no action on their part.’
