GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan athlete who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is in critical condition after a brutal attack by her boyfriend in Kenya. The 33-year-old distance runner suffered burns to more than 75 percent of her body after being doused in gasoline and set on fire during a violent altercation on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
The incident occurred at Cheptegei’s home in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya. According to local police reports, the attack happened during a dispute between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema. Witnesses heard the couple arguing outside their house before Ndiema allegedly poured gasoline on Cheptegei and set her on fire.
Both Cheptegei and Ndiema sustained serious burns in the incident. Neighbors managed to extinguish the flames and rushed the couple to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for urgent medical treatment.
The local police, who are continuing to investigate the case, revealed that the couple’s argument was reportedly over the land on which their home was built. Ndiema is said to have sneaked into the compound with gasoline while Cheptegei and their children were at church. Upon her return, he allegedly set her ablaze.
Authorities have collected evidence from the scene, including a five-liter jerrican believed to have contained the gasoline and a burned mobile phone thought to belong to Cheptegei. An investigation into the attack is ongoing.
Cheptegei had recently competed in the marathon event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing in 44th place. She had relocated from Uganda to Kenya after purchasing land in Trans Nzoia County, where she trained. Cheptegei gained international recognition after winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022.
As Cheptegei fights for her life, the sports community and her supporters are calling for justice. The incident has shocked many, and an official response from the authorities is awaited as the investigation progresses.
