Rebecca Cheptegei. FERENC ISZA/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei is receiving therapy for burns on 75 % of her physique after being set on hearth by boyfriend Dickson Ndiema.
A number of shops — together with the BBC and the Related Press — have reported that Cheptegei, 33, was allegedly attacked by Ndiema whereas at her home in Kenya. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said that Ndiema “purchased a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze throughout a disagreement” that occurred on Sunday, September 1, per the AP.
“The couple had been heard quarreling outdoors their home,” Kosiom mentioned, in response to the BBC, who referred to Ndiema as Cheptegei’s “former” boyfriend of their report. “Throughout the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the lady earlier than burning her.”
The AP reported that Ndiema obtained burns throughout the incident as effectively and is searching for therapy. Each Cheptegei and Ndiema are at present on the Moi Instructing and Referral Hospital, in Eldoret, a metropolis in Kenya.
The combat occurred weeks after Cheptegei competed as a protracted distance and marathon runner for Uganda within the 2024 Paris Olympics, ending in forty fourth place.
Whereas the standing of Cheptegei and Ndiema’s relationship is unknown, the AP reported that they’d apparently been arguing over land that her home was constructed on. Cheptegei’s dad and mom mentioned the athlete purchased land and moved to Trans Nzoia with a view to proceed her coaching.
After the incident, police commander Kosiom spoke with The Normal, revealing that neighbors put out the fireplace earlier than dashing Cheptegei and Ndiema to the hospital. A “five-liter yellow jerrican, a bag and a black marvin” and “burnt cell phone” had been reportedly collected on the scene for “forensic evaluation,” Kosiom continued.
Previous to Cheptegei’s look on this 12 months’s Paris Olympics, she competed in varied marathons. She ended 2022 with a fourth-place end within the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, which allowed her to safe her spot on the Olympics. Cheptegei has been competing as an expert athlete since 2010, even successful the Kampala 10,000 meter race in Kampala, Uganda that 12 months.
Cheptegei’s incident comes months after fellow Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was stabbed to dying at age 34 in Eldoret. Police discovered Kiplagat’s physique in his automotive in December 2023 with a number of stab wounds to his head and chest. He competed on the 2012 London Olympics within the 3,000m steeplechase. Two males had been arrested for his dying earlier this 12 months, in response to the AP.
When you or somebody you understand are experiencing home violence, please name the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential help.
