Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in the hospital with severe burns covering 75% of her body after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend.
The incident happened at Cheptegei’s home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, where she had been training after returning from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The attack took place on Sunday when her ex-boyfriend reportedly snuck into her home while she was at church with her children.
Police commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom said the man used a can of petrol to set Cheptegei on fire during an argument, Daily Mail reported.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house,” Kosiom said. “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
The ex-boyfriend was also seriously burned in the fire. He and Cheptegei are now receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City.
Cheptegei recently competed in the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the women’s marathon, and won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
The attack is believed to have been triggered by a dispute over land that Cheptegei had purchased close to the Ugandan border.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Rebecca Cheptegei.
Source: X
