‘Serious burns’: Ugandan Olympic marathon runner set on fire by boyfriend, police say
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has been allegedly attacked, doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend, according to police.
The 33-year-old, who competed at the recent Paris Olympics, has suffered extensive burns, including up to 75 per cent of her body, authorities have said.
It’s been reported the horrific attack took place on Sunday in her home in Western Kenya, where she had been training.
Police say her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema used a can of petrol to set Cheptegei on fire during a disagreement. Local media outlets reported that neighbours came to her rescue to put out the fire.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” said local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom, who added that the alleged attacker, Ndiema, also sustained serious burns.
Police say an investigation is underway, and the two are being treat at Moi Teaching and Referral in Elderot, the main town in the region.
We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her pic.twitter.com/rgnWvgTpkb— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 3, 2024
Cheptegei finished 44th in the Paris Olympics women’s marathon earlier this year.
She also won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
Following news of the attack on Cheptegei, Ugandan Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare called for an end to violence against women.
“Our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was viciously attacked by her boyfriend, sustaining serious burns, currently admitted in hospital,” he posted on X.
“Let’s keep Rebecca in pray and wish her a full recovery. Let’s all say NO to violence especially against women.
“This is totally unacceptable and we condemn this totally uncalled for attack. Together let’s stand against violence.”
The post ‘Serious burns’: Ugandan Olympic marathon runner set on fire by boyfriend, police say appeared first on Women's Agenda.
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