An Olympic runner is in critical condition after she was allegedly doused in petrol by a former boyfriend and set on fire.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered the horrific attack in western Kenya.
As reported by BBC News, Cheptegei was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend, leaving her with severe burns covering more than 75% of her body.
The alleged attack took place at Cheptegei’s home in the small town of Endebess, where she had been training. She was reportedly rescued by neighbors following the incident on Sunday.
Both Cheptegei and the alleged attacker, who also sustained serious burns, are currently receiving treatment at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the main town in the region.
“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” said local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom, describing the harrowing scene.
Cheptegei, originally from Uganda, had purchased land in Kenya's Trans Nzoia County and built a house to be closer to the country's renowned athletic training centers.
According to a report filed by a local administrator, the couple had been involved in a dispute over the property. Police have launched an investigation into the attack.
Cheptegei is a prominent athlete, finishing 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics. She also won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that Cheptegei had "suffered severe injuries."
The federation also appeared to state that the attack was perpetrated by her Kenyan boyfriend, who "poured petrol and set fire on her," according to a statement released on social media.
This incident has raised concerns about the growing violence against female athletes in Kenya, some of which have resulted in fatalities.
The assault on Cheptegei comes two years after the death of Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua, who was found dead in Iten, a renowned running hub in Kenya’s Rift Valley, per CBS News.
Mutua's death followed the murder of 25-year-old record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop, who was discovered stabbed to death in her home in Iten in 2021.
Tirop’s estranged husband, Emmanuel Ibrahim Rotich, is currently on trial for her murder, charges which he denies.
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