In a shocking and tragic incident, Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after being allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend. The horrific attack, which has left the 33-year-old Ugandan athlete with severe burns covering more than 75% of her body, occurred in western Kenya, where she had been training.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a prominent marathon runner who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, has been left fighting for her life following a brutal attack at her home in the small town of Endebess, Kenya. According to reports by BBC News, the assault took place on a Sunday, and neighbors who heard the commotion rushed to her aid, rescuing her from the flames.
The alleged attacker, her former boyfriend, also sustained serious burns during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the main medical facility in the region. The local police chief, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, provided a harrowing account of the scene, stating, “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
Rebecca Cheptegei is not just any athlete; she is a celebrated marathon runner with an impressive track record. Originally from Uganda, Cheptegei has made a name for herself on the international stage. She finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and has also won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
Cheptegei’s passion for running led her to purchase land in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County, where she built a house to be closer to the country’s renowned athletic training centers. This move was meant to further her athletic career, but it tragically became the setting for this devastating incident.
The alleged attack on Cheptegei is believed to have stemmed from a dispute over property. According to a report filed by a local administrator, the couple had been embroiled in a disagreement regarding the ownership of the land and house that Cheptegei had acquired in Kenya. This conflict appears to have escalated, leading to the horrific events that have now left Cheptegei fighting for her life.
This incident has sparked renewed concerns about the alarming trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya, a country that has produced some of the world’s best runners. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. The attack on Cheptegei comes just two years after the tragic death of Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua, who was found dead in Iten, a well-known training hub for runners in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Mutua’s death followed the murder of another prominent athlete, Agnes Tirop, a 25-year-old record-breaking runner 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, although he denies the charges.
These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of violence against female athletes in the region, raising questions about the safety and protection of women in the sports community.
We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her pic.twitter.com/rgnWvgTpkb
— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 3, 2024
In the wake of this brutal attack, the Ugandan Athletics Federation has expressed deep sorrow and outrage. In a statement released on social media, the federation confirmed that Cheptegei had “suffered severe injuries” and called attention to the alleged perpetrator, stating that her Kenyan boyfriend “poured petrol and set fire on her.” The federation’s statement reflects the widespread shock and sadness felt by the athletic community and beyond.
Kenyan police have launched a full investigation into the attack, focusing on the circumstances that led to the violent altercation between Cheptegei and her former boyfriend. Authorities are also looking into the broader issue of violence against women, particularly in the context of female athletes who often face unique challenges and risks.
As the investigation continues, both Cheptegei and the alleged attacker remain in the hospital, receiving treatment for their injuries. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, not only by those in the athletic community but by many who are concerned about the growing violence against women in the region.
The attack on Rebecca Cheptegei is a tragic reminder of the dangers that female athletes can face, even as they strive for excellence in their sports. As she battles for her life, the world of athletics is left to grapple with the harsh realities of violence that have claimed the lives of other athletes before her.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who represented Uganda 🇺🇬 in the women’s marathon at @Paris2024 🇫🇷 Olympics, is in critical condition at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya 🇰🇪 after her boyfriend allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire. pic.twitter.com/7MnDp2jpQZ
— Darren Allan Kyeyune (@AllanDarren) September 2, 2024
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and sports organizations to take stronger measures to protect female athletes from violence and to ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly. The athletic community must come together to support Cheptegei and advocate for the safety and well-being of all athletes, particularly women who may be at greater risk of violence and exploitation.
As we await further updates on Cheptegei’s condition and the progress of the investigation, the global sports community stands in solidarity, hoping for her recovery and for a future where such tragedies no longer occur.
