Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei is currently in critical condition after suffering severe burns in an alleged attack by her ex-boyfriend.
The incident occurred shortly after Cheptegei returned to Kenya from the Paris Olympics, where she represented Uganda in the marathon.
According to police reports, the attack took place at Cheptegei’s home in Trans Nzoia County. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom stated that Cheptegei’s former partner, identified as Dickson Ndiema, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire following a disagreement on Sunday.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, who is by her side at the hospital along with her sister Evalyne Chelagat, disclosed that the altercation was over a piece of land in Endebes, Trans Nzoia. He expressed disbelief over Ndiema’s actions, stating, “They were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter.” He also revealed that Cheptegei’s two children are fathered by another man living in Uganda.
Police and Cheptegei’s father claim that Ndiema, who had reportedly been separated from Cheptegei for some time, sneaked into her compound around 2 p.m. on Sunday, while she and her children were at church. Upon their return, Ndiema allegedly doused Cheptegei with petrol and set her ablaze. The couple was reportedly heard arguing outside their house before the attack.
Dr. Owen Menach, who is treating Cheptegei at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, described her condition as critical, noting that she sustained both external and inhalation burns. Despite the severity of her injuries, Dr. Menach and his team are doing everything they can to save her life. Ndiema, who also sustained burns during the attack, is being treated at the same hospital with less severe injuries.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation has confirmed the incident on social media, expressing their regret and stating that Cheptegei is currently fighting for her life. Local police discovered a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone at the scene, suggesting that the attack was premeditated.
Cheptegei, 33, finished 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics and had previously won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022. The attack has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, which has already been shaken by the recent violent deaths of other athletes, including Ugandan Olympic steeplechaser, Benjamin Kiplagat and Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, Damaris Muthee.
