Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is currently hospitalized with severe burns after allegedly being set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. The horrifying event took place at her home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, leaving the athlete with burns covering 75% of her body.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently competed in the women's marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was attacked in her home on Sunday. According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Ndiema bought a can of petrol, poured it on Cheptegei, and set her on fire during a disagreement. "Rebecca Cheptegei is currently receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city," said Kosiom. He added that Ndiema also sustained burn wounds and is receiving treatment at the same facility.
Cheptegei's parents revealed that their daughter had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county's many athletic training centers. A report filed by the local chief indicated that the couple was heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started. The local chief's report stated, "The couple was heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started."
Many have taken to social media to offer their support and prayers for Cheptegei's recovery. "Rebecca is a strong and determined athlete. We are all praying for her swift recovery," said a fellow Ugandan athlete.
This incident is not the first time a Ugandan athlete has faced violence. In 2023, Benjamin Kiplagat, a Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser was found dead with stab wounds. Similarly, in 2022, Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete was found dead and a post-mortem examination revealed she was strangled.
"We need to ensure that our athletes are safe both on and off the field. This incident is a wake-up call for all of us," said a spokesperson for the Ugandan Athletics Federation.
