A Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is currently receiving treatment for severe burns after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya.
Cheptegei, who placed 44th in her Olympic event, sustained burns over 75% of her body in the attack at her home in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya. Both Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, are being treated for burn injuries at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
According to an AP report, the incident occurred following a heated argument between Cheptegei and Ndiema. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that Ndiema bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it over Cheptegei, and set her on fire. The cause of their argument was related to land ownership.
Cheptegei had purchased land in Trans Nzoia County to be near athletic training centers. The local chief's report detailed that the couple was arguing about the land where Cheptegei's house stood just before the fire broke out.
This attack is part of a concerning trend of violence against athletes in the region. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. In the previous year, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was discovered dead, and a postmortem report indicated she had been strangled.
As the investigation continues, Cheptegei is in critical condition. Her family, friends, and the wider athletic community are hoping for her recovery.
