Eldoret, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Dickson Ndiema Marangach, the former Kenyan partner of Ugandan athlete Rebeca Cheptegei, has died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Hospital officials confirmed his passing on Monday 9, September 2024 night in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he had been receiving treatment.
Ndiema’s death comes just days after Cheptegei herself succumbed to injuries at the same hospital. Ndiema had reportedly attacked Cheptegei at their home in Trans Nzoia, setting her on fire after dousing her with petrol.
The incident left both parties with severe burns—Cheptegei sustained burns covering over 80 percent of her body, while Ndiema suffered burns covering more than 30 percent.
Investigations revealed that the couple had been engaged in frequent disputes over a plot of land and a house.
The 33-year-old Cheptegei, who placed 44th at the Paris Olympics, a resident in Uganda, had purchased land in western Trans Nzoia County and built a house where she stayed during her training periods.
Cheptegei is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday 14, September 2024 in Uganda, with a military funeral in honor of her service as a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Her father, Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, confirmed that both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments are working together to ensure she receives a dignified farewell at her home in Bukwo, located in Eastern Uganda.
A postmortem examination of Cheptegei’s body is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 11, September 2024 at the hospital.
“The hospital asked us to have the postmortem done and we accepted because it will help us to know what led to her death and also it will be part of closure for us as we mourn her death,” said Mzee Cheptegei.
Also Read: Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei set on fire by Kenyan boyfriend over land dispute
Following the postmortem, the body will be released from the morgue on Thursday 12th morning and handed over to her family and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). It will then be escorted to her home in Endebes, Trans Nzoia, where an overnight vigil will be held.
“She lived there, and we will give residents time to pay her last respects and also for prayers,” he said.
On Friday 13th, the body will be transported by road to Bukwo, Uganda, for another overnight vigil in preparation for the burial on Saturday.
High-ranking officials from both Kenya and Uganda are expected to attend the funeral.
