A Ugandan athlete residing in Kenya has been set on fire by her boyfriend and is currently undergoing treatment for burns covering 75 percent of her body, according to police reports.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a distance runner who managed to secure 44th place in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of two hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds, was reportedly attacked at her residence located in western Trans Nzoia County.
Trans Nzoia police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom disclosed that Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, purchased a can of petrol, doused her with it, and ignited the flames during an argument on Sunday (September 1).
Ndiema also sustained burn injuries, and both individuals are currently receiving specialized medical care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
Cheptegei’s parents mentioned that their daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia to take advantage of the county’s numerous athletic training centers.
A report filed by the local chief indicated that the couple was heard quarreling over the land on which their house was built before the fire broke out.
Local news sources have reported that Cheptegei is in critical condition.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) has addressed the incident on social media.
“We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret,” the organization posted on Twitter today (September 3).
Since the news broke, many have extended their well-wishes for the Olympian’s recovery from this traumatic event.
“Wishing her quick recovery,” one person commented.
Another individual expressed similar sentiments, writing: “Sad to hear this. Wish her a quick recovery.”
“No words. Sending the best wishes for her recovery,” someone else added.
Another person lamented: “This is so tragic. Wishing her good and speedy recovery, and hoping that she gets justice.”
Unfortunately, Cheptegei’s case is not an isolated incident.
In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was discovered dead, with a post-mortem examination revealing she had been strangled. Additionally, in 2021, two-time World Athletics Championships bronze medallist Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk confidentially 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). You can find a list of local resources here.