Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei has been hospitalized following a violent assault by her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema, in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, on Monday. Both Cheptegei and Ndiema are in critical condition.
According to reports, Ndiema allegedly poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her on fire at her residence in Endebess.
Both individuals were initially taken to Kitale Level Four Hospital but were later transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret due to the severity of their injuries. Doctors are currently working to save Cheptegei, who sustained severe burns.
Cheptegei represented Uganda at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. The 33-year-old finished 44th in the Women’s marathon with a time of 2:32:14.
Her compatriots Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat placed eighth and 69th, with times of 2:21:01 and 2:39:40, respectively.
One of Cheptegei’s most notable achievements was winning the silver medal at the Padova Women’s Marathon in Italy in 2023.
