Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is currently hospitalized with severe burns covering 75% of her body.
She allegedly suffered these injuries after being set on fire by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, at her residence in Trans Noia County, Kenya.
According to Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei and ignited it during a dispute on Sunday, while she was at home with her children and her husband was away at church.
Cheptegei, who represented Uganda at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had recently returned to Kenya for training.
The police are investigating the incident and have confirmed the attack.
According to eyewitnesses, the altercation between Rebecca Cheptegei and her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, escalated outside their home, where he poured petrol on her and set her ablaze.
The suspect also suffered severe burns in the process.
Both individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation has acknowledged the incident on social media.
Cheptegei, who is being treated for severe burns, had recently returned to Kenya for training after representing Uganda at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
