Report: Uganda Olympic Marathon Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Hospitalized
Uganda Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after authorities say her boyfriend set her on fire over the weekend.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom shared with various outlets that the 33-year-old distance runner, who finished 44th in the summer games, was attacked by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, at her home in western Trans Nzoia County.
According to a report from the local police obtained by AP, the couple was reportedly overheard arguing about the land on which their house was built before the incident.
Kosiom also told local outlet, The Standard, “[Ndiema] is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday while the wife and the children were in Church. Upon returning, Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before he set her ablaze.”
Both Ndiema and Cheptegei sustained burn injuries, with the athlete suffering burns over 75% of her body. They are currently receiving specialized treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
An investigation is ongoing.
