Ugandan Athlete Attacked and Set on Fire by Boyfriend in Kenya, Hospitalized with Severe Burns

Eldoret, Kenya – Ugandan distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is fighting for her life after being brutally attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County. The incident occurred on Sunday during a heated argument between the couple at Cheptegei’s home.

According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, purchased a jerrican of petrol, which he then poured on her before igniting the flames. The attack left Cheptegei with burns covering 75% of her body. Ndiema also sustained burn injuries in the incident.

Both Cheptegei and Ndiema are currently receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, where they are being treated for their extensive injuries.

The attack has shocked the local and international athletic communities, with many expressing their concern for Cheptegei, who had recently moved to Trans Nzoia to be closer to the county’s renowned athletic training centers. Her parents revealed that she had purchased land in the area to focus on her training and career.

A report filed by the local chief indicated that the couple was heard arguing about the land where Cheptegei’s house was built just before the fire broke out. The police are investigating the incident, and Ndiema could face serious charges if found responsible for the attack.

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence against athletes in the region. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds, while in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was discovered dead, with a postmortem report indicating that she had been strangled.

The shocking attack on Cheptegei has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for greater protection and support for athletes, particularly women, who are often vulnerable to domestic violence.