Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is currently recovering from severe burn injuries at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) after a horrifying domestic incident.
Cheptegei, who represented her country in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was allegedly set on fire by her boyfriend in a shocking act of violence that has stunned the community in Trans Nzoia County, where she trains.
The incident occurred at the athlete’s residence in the Endebess area, following a reported altercation between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema.
According to the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, as quoted by The Standard, “The couple was heard quarreling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her. The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.”
Both Cheptegei and Ndiema were urgently transported to MTRH in Eldoret for specialized medical treatment.
Early reports from the hospital indicate that Cheptegei sustained burns covering at least 75% of her body.
Police investigations have revealed that the couple had ongoing disputes regarding the property on which their house is situated. Commander Kosiom detailed the events leading up to the attack, stating, “The husband is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2pm on Sunday while the wife and the children were in Church. Upon returning, Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before he set her ablaze.”
Following the initial emergency response, Cheptegei was treated at Kitale County Referral Hospital for her burns before being moved to MTRH for further care.
At the scene, investigators found several items for forensic analysis, including a five-litre yellow jerrican, a bag and a black marvin believed to belong to Ndiema, and a burnt mobile phone presumed to be Cheptegei’s.
The incident has drawn parallels to another tragic event involving Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was murdered in Eldoret at the end of last year.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, shared that their daughter had invested in the land in Trans Nzoia and had built a home there to facilitate her training.
They expressed profound shock and distress over the incident, emphasizing the need for increased security and awareness regarding domestic violence.
The community and fellow athletes have rallied around Cheptegei, offering support and calling for justice.
The case continues to develop as more details emerge and authorities work to determine the full scope of this domestic tragedy.
The focus remains on Cheptegei’s recovery and the legal proceedings against Ndiema, whose actions have left a permanent mark on the lives of all involved.
