Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic marathon runner residing in Kenya, was brutally attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during a domestic dispute on Sunday. The horrifying incident took place in the western Trans Nzoia County, where the couple had been living. Cheptegei, who competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns covering 75% of her body and is currently receiving treatment.
The attack reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over land on which their house was built. According to police reports, Ndiema bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on Cheptegei, and set her ablaze. He also sustained burn injuries in the process. Local police commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the details of the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing.
Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, made her Olympic debut at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon. Her athletic achievements include winning the Padova Marathon in 2022 and securing second place in the 10,000-meter race at the Ugandan Championships. She also finished fourth in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.
The incident has shocked the athletic community and highlighted the alarming issue of domestic violence. Cheptegei’s condition remains critical as she battles to recover from the severe burns inflicted upon her. The case is currently under investigation, with authorities pursuing charges against Ndiema for the assault.