Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei In Hospital After Petrol Fire Attack
Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after suffering severe burns in a horrific attack allegedly carried out by her boyfriend.
The 33-year-old athlete, who competed in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics, was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, on Sunday.
According to local authorities, the attack occurred during a dispute between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, identified as Dickson Ndiema. Witnesses reported hearing the couple arguing outside their house before Ndiema allegedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and ignited it.
The couple's dispute is believed to have stemmed from a disagreement over a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased in the area. She had built a house there to be close to Kenya’s athletic training centres, where she had been preparing for her competitions.
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, has burns covering more than 75% of her body.
Ndiema also sustained burns in the incident, and both are currently receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya.
Local police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom confirmed the details of the attack, stating, "The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."
He added that an investigation is underway to uncover more details about the incident.
The attack on Cheptegei is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving female athletes in Kenya, sparking concerns about their safety. In recent years, several female runners have been victims of violence, including Damaris Mutua and Agnes Tirop, both of whom were found dead under suspicious circumstances.
Cheptegei is not only known for her Olympic participation but also for winning gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
