Photo: Getty Images
A Ugandan Olympic athlete is in the hospital after her boyfriend set her on fire.
On Sunday (September 2), Ugadan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who is living in Kenya, was set on fire in her house in the western Trans Nzoia County, per the Associated Press.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom confirmed Monday (September 3) that Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her, and set her on fire during a dispute.
Cheptegei is reportedly at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city where she is receiving treatment for burns on 75 percent of her body. Ndiema also sustained burn wounds and is receiving specialized treatment at the hospital.
The attack on Cheptegei came just weeks after she placed 44th in the marathon event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Cheptegei's parents said she bought land in Kenya's Trans Nzoia so she could be close to the county's athletic training centers.
According to a report filed by the local chief, Cheptegei and her boyfriend were heard fighting over the land where the house was built before he set her ablaze.
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