A Ugandan athlete living in Kenya, Rebecca Cheptegei, is currently receiving treatment for severe burns covering 75% of her body after being set ablaze by her boyfriend, police have reported.
Cheptegei, a distance runner who finished in the 44th position at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was attacked in her house in Trans Nzoia County, located in western Kenya. The incident occurred on Sunday, according to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
Commander Kosiom stated that Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her, and set her on fire during a heated disagreement. The altercation reportedly took place in their home, which is situated near several of the county’s athletic training centers—a location chosen by Cheptegei due to her athletic career.
Ndiema also sustained burn injuries during the incident, and both he and Cheptegei are now undergoing specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
The incident has shocked the local community, with Cheptegei’s parents revealing that their daughter had recently purchased land in Trans Nzoia to stay close to the county’s many athletic training centers. A report filed by the local chief indicates that the couple was heard arguing about the land on which the house was built shortly before the fire started.
This shocking attack has brought renewed attention to the violence that some athletes have faced in recent years. In 2023, another Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser, Benjamin Kiplagat, was found dead with stab wounds. Similarly, in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found dead with a postmortem report revealing that she had been strangled.
The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the attack on Cheptegei is ongoing, with police and local authorities continuing to gather evidence and statements from witnesses. The incident has sparked conversations about the safety and well-being of athletes, especially those living away from their home countries.
Cheptegei, who has been training rigorously in Kenya to advance her athletic career, is now battling for her life. The incident has left many in the athletic community and beyond in shock, prompting calls for better protection and support for athletes, particularly those who face threats or violence in their personal lives.
The story of Cheptegei’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the dangers athletes may face outside their professional environments and the need for concerted efforts to ensure their safety.
