Disturbing news emerged from Kenya on Monday evening that Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei suffered severe burns after an alleged attack by her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema.
Ndiema reportedly bought petrol in a five-liter jerrycan, poured it on Cheptegei, and set her ablaze, leaving both individuals with critical injuries, particularly Cheptegei.
The general public has been shocked by the incident, with many questioning what led to the conflict in Endebess.
Reports suggest that a land dispute may have been the catalyst for this violent incident. Neighbors reportedly overheard the couple arguing about the land where Cheptegei had built a house.
According to reports, Cheptegei, a Ugandan long-distance runner, purchased land in Trans Nzoia and constructed a house to stay close to the many training facilities in the area.
The argument on the ownership of this land is reportedly what escalated into violence leaving both individuals critically injured.
Both Cheptegei and Ndiema remain hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.
Cheptegei participated in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, where she finished 44th in the Women’s Marathon, a race won by the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan.
