(Kenya) – Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan distance runner who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been hospitalized with severe burns after being attacked by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in Kenya. On September 3, 2024, Trans Nzoia County Police reported that Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her ablaze during a heated argument at their home.
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the Paris Olympics, suffered burns covering 75% of her body. Both she and Ndiema are currently receiving specialized treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City. Ndiema also sustained injuries in the incident.
According to Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, the conflict arose from a dispute over land Cheptegei had purchased in Trans Nzoia County to be close to athletic training facilities. A report from the local chief noted that the couple was heard arguing about the property before the fire started.
This incident follows other tragic cases involving athletes. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. In 2022, Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee, originally from Kenya, was discovered dead with evidence suggesting she had been strangled.
