Olympic runner Cheptegei injured in petrol attack by boyfriend
Rebecca Cheptegei suffers severe burns in petrol attack by boyfriend
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) announced on September 3 that Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei sustained critical injuries after her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, set her on fire using gasoline. This tragic event follows Cheptegei’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The incident occurred at Cheptegei’s home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, on Sunday, September 1, after an argument with Ndiema. Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom reported neighbours heard the couple quarrelling before Ndiema doused Cheptegei in a liquid and set her alight. The 33-year-old athlete has severe burns covering more than 75% of her body.
Cheptegei’s parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, informed the police that their daughter had recently purchased land in Trans Nzoia to facilitate her training.
Neighbours extinguished the fire and rushed both Cheptegei and Ndiema to Kitale County Referral Hospital. She was later transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for advanced medical care. She remains in critical condition. Ndiema, who also suffered injuries, is being treated at the same hospital.
Ongoing investigations suggest the altercation was related to the land. Police Commander Kosiom stated the attack occurred around 3 pm on Sunday and was reported to Kinyoro Police Station at 10 am the following day. Forensic analysis is being conducted on items collected at the scene, including a five-litre jerrican, a bag, a black hat believed to belong to Ndiema, and a burnt mobile phone thought to be Cheptegei’s.
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the 2024 Paris Olympics marathon, rose to prominence after winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
For more updates, stay tuned.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Global News reports that Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic athlete, was attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in their residence in Trans Nzoia County, suffering severe burns. (read more)
- Marca reports on Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic runner, critically injured in a gasoline attack by her boyfriend in Kenya, sparking concerns about violence against female athletes. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei?
Rebecca Cheptegei was severely injured in a gasoline attack by her boyfriend.
Where did the incident involving Rebecca Cheptegei occur?
The incident occurred at her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
What was the cause of the altercation between Cheptegei and her boyfriend?
The altercation reportedly began over land on which their home was built.
What is Rebecca Cheptegei’s current condition?
She is in critical condition with severe burns on over 75% of her body.
Where is Rebecca Cheptegei receiving treatment?
She is receiving specialised treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
