Authorities in Kenya are treating a Ugandan athlete suffering from 75% burns after her lover set her on fire.

At her home in western Trans Nzoia County, Rebecca Cheptegei, a distance runner who finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics in two hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds, reportedly faced an attack.

According to Trans Nzoia police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s lover, bought a can of fuel, poured it on her, and lit her on fire following a fight on Sunday (September 1).

Ndiema also suffered burns, and both are undergoing specialized care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City.

According to Cheptegei’s parents, their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s numerous sports training facilities.

According to a complaint submitted by the local chief, the couple were heard fighting over the property on which the house was built before the fire started.

According to local news reports, Cheptegei is in serious condition.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has addressed the issue on social media.

“We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Olympics, has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret,” the group tweeted today (September 3).

People have subsequently offered their support for the Olympian as she heals from the traumatic incident.

“Wishing her a quick recovery,” one person wrote.

A second user expressed similar feelings, writing, “Sad to hear this. Wishing her a swift recovery.”

“There are no words.” Best wishes for her recovery,” said someone else.

A different individual wrote, “This is so tragic.” I wish her a swift recovery and hope that she receives justice.

Sadly, Cheptegei’s case is not the first of its kind.

Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, was discovered dead in 2022 after a post-mortem investigation revealed she had been strangled, while Agnes Tirop, a two-time World Athletics Championships bronze medalist, was found stabbed to death in 2021.