Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei burned in horrific attack by boyfriend

In a shocking incident, Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, a distance runner who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is fighting for her life after being set on fire by her boyfriend. The attack occurred in her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, leaving her with burns covering 75% of her body.

Brutal Attack in Trans Nzoia

According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the horrifying incident took place on Sunday following a domestic dispute between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. Ndiema reportedly purchased a jerrican of petrol, doused Cheptegei with it, and set her on fire during the altercation. Ndiema also suffered burns in the incident, and both are now receiving specialized treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.

Dispute Over Land Ownership

The dispute that led to this tragic event allegedly revolved around a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased in Trans Nzoia, where she built her home to be closer to the region’s numerous athletic training centers. A report from the local chief noted that the couple was heard arguing about the land just before the fire broke out.

Pattern of Violence Against Athletes

This incident comes in the wake of other tragic events involving athletes in East Africa. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with multiple stab wounds. Similarly, in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was discovered dead, with a postmortem revealing she had been strangled.

Authorities continue to investigate the attack on Cheptegei, as she remains in critical condition.