Renowned Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition at a Kenyan hospital after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old, who competed in the recent Paris Olympics, suffered extensive burns and is receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The attack occurred on Sunday at Cheptegei’s home in Endebess, western Kenya, where she had been training. Neighbors rescued her after hearing the couple quarreling outside their house. The alleged attacker also sustained serious burns.
Cheptegei, a gold medalist at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, had been living in Kenya to access top-notch training facilities. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, has called for justice, saying, “I pray for my daughter.”
This incident adds to the growing concern about violence against female athletes in Kenya, with several cases resulting in death. In 2022, record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death, and another female runner, Damaris Mutua, was found strangled. Men have also been targeted, including Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was stabbed to death in Eldoret last December.
The police are investigating the attack on Cheptegei, and her former boyfriend is being treated for burns alongside her. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the safety and protection of athletes in Kenya.
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