Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after allegedly being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend in Kenya. Suffering burns on over 75% of her body, this shocking incident raises concerns about the rising violence against female athletes in the region.
Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is currently in critical condition after a shocking incident in which she was allegedly attacked by her former boyfriend in western Kenya. The 33-year-old athlete, who participated in the recent Paris Olympics and previously secured a gold medal at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, suffered severe burns covering over 75% of her body.
The attack occurred at her home in Endebess, where she had been training. Reports indicate that neighbors intervened to rescue her following a heated argument between Cheptegei and her attacker. Both individuals were taken to Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret for treatment.
Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom noted that the boyfriend was seen pouring a flammable liquid on Cheptegei before igniting it. The couple reportedly had ongoing disputes regarding a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased in Trans Nzoia County.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the increasing violence against female athletes in Kenya, a troubling trend highlighted by previous cases, including the tragic deaths of athletes Damaris Mutua and Agnes Tirop. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter as the sports community reacts to this alarming pattern of violence against women.
