Esther Salifu
Kenyan hospital has confirmed the death of Dickson Ndiema who attacked Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei that died last week.
“It’s true we lost Dickson Ndiema last night at about 8:00 pm,” an official at the hospital’s communications department told AFP, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the press.
His family had been informed, the official said, adding that a “comprehensive statement” would be released later.
Marangach had poured petrol over Cheptegei, causing 80% burns, and later succumbed to his own injuries, which included 30% burns.
Marangach was being treated in the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in the Rift Valley city of Eldoret.
Cheptegei, a mother of two and Olympic athlete, tragically passed away last week due to her injuries. Her death has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action against gender-based violence in Kenya.
“The cycle of violence must end. We cannot continue to lose our brightest stars to senseless acts of gender-based violence.” – Joseph Cheptegei, Rebecca’s father.
Marangach’s death comes as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women.
The death is the latest in a string of tragic incidents involving female athletes in Kenya. Her burial is scheduled for September 14 in eastern Uganda.
The attack on Cheptegei has highlighted the urgent need for action against gender-based violence in Kenya, where at least 725 femicide cases were reported in 2022 alone.
