Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic distance runner, suffered a 75% burn to her body during the ordeal.
According to authorities, a Ugandan athlete who lives in Kenya was burned by her lover and is currently undergoing treatment for 75% of her burn injuries. Distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the 2024 Paris Olympics marathon with a time of two hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds, is said to have been attacked in her home in western Trans Nzoia County.
During a fight on Sunday (September 1), Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s lover, bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and lit her on fire, according to Trans Nzoia police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
Both Ndiema and herself are undergoing specialized care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City after Ndiema also suffered burn injuries.
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia so she could be close to the several sports training facilities in the county.
Before the fire started, the couple was heard fighting over the property where the house was erected, according to a report submitted by the local chief.
Local media sources report that Cheptegei’s condition is critical.
On social media, the Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) has addressed the issue.
“We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Olympics, has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret,” the organization tweeted today (September 3).
People have subsequently offered their support for the Olympian as she heals from the traumatic incident.
“Wishing her a quick recovery,” one person wrote.
A second user expressed similar feelings, writing, “Sad to hear this. Wishing her a swift recovery.”
“There are no words. “Best wishes for her recovery,” said someone else.
A different person wrote, “This is so tragic.” I wish her a swift recovery and hope that she receives justice.
Sadly, Cheptegei’s case is not the first of its kind.
Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, was discovered dead in 2022 after a post-mortem investigation revealed she had been strangled, while Agnes Tirop, a two-time World Athletics Championships bronze medalist, was found stabbed to death in 2021.
Andrea Bocelli’s wife is truly breathtaking!
Andrea Bocelli and Veronica Berti share a beautiful love story, despite their notable age difference. The renowned tenor revealed in an interview that although they officially tied the knot in 2014, their marriage truly began the moment they met.
Their deep affection for one another is evident in their public appearances, where Bocelli’s tender gaze at Veronica reflects their genuine bond. Veronica, now 40, first crossed paths with Andrea, who is 66, in 2002 at a party. At the time, Andrea was navigating the aftermath of his marriage, and Veronica was just 18. He fondly recalled that their relationship progressed rapidly, saying: “We moved in together that very night”.
After several years of dating, the couple solidified their commitment at the Madonna di Montenero Sanctuary in Tuscany, Italy, in 2014. Recently, the pair was spotted in Saint Tropez, enjoying the sun and relaxing on a yacht with family, with Veronica photographed in a bathing suit.
In another recent update, Andrea shared that he faced a health challenge earlier this year but has since recovered and is in good spirits. He has expressed gratitude for the support of his family and fans during that time, emphasizing the importance of staying positive and focused on what truly matters.
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