- Rebecca Cheptegei’s Battle for Survival After Being Set on Fire highlights a tragic incident where the Ugandan Olympian was attacked by her boyfriend during a domestic dispute in Kenya.
- Cheptegei suffered severe burns covering 75% to 80% of her body and is currently in critical condition.
- The attack occurred following an argument over property issues, emphasizing the domestic violence context.
- Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault, bringing attention to the impact of domestic violence on families.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan long-distance runner who recently took part in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is in critical condition after being viciously attacked and set ablaze by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in Kenya.
This shocking incident took place at her residence in Trans-Nzoia County, where Ndiema allegedly poured gasoline on her and ignited it during a domestic dispute. Cheptegei sustained severe burns that affect roughly 75% to 80% of her body and is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Also Read: Casemiro’s Wife Celebrates His Achievements Despite Recent Critique
Reports have surfaced indicating that her health has deteriorated, with complications such as a bacterial infection leading to sepsis, further jeopardizing her recovery.
Witnesses have stated that the couple had been embroiled in a disagreement over property matters, specifically regarding a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased to be nearer to athletics training facilities. This disagreement reportedly escalated, culminating in the violent assault.
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei sustains serious burns after allegedly being set on fire by her Kenyan boyfriend in Tranz Nzoia; parents say she is admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret. pic.twitter.com/29asulplr2
— ALEJANDRO™🇰🇪 (@mchuku_zii) September 2, 2024
At the time of the incident, Rebecca Cheptegei daughters, aged nine and eleven, were present, with one attempting to intervene and seek help. Local law enforcement has categorized the incident as a domestic dispute, yet it underscores the persistent issue of domestic violence against women in the region. Cheptegei’s father has noted that she is married to a Ugandan man who was not home during the attack, raising questions about her relationship with Ndiema.
This incident has sparked discussions about the wider issue of gender-based violence in Kenya, where many female athletes have succumbed to similar violence. Activists have highlighted a concerning trend of violence against women in the area, with numerous cases remaining unresolved.
Protests have erupted in response to alarming rates of femicide and domestic violence, demanding stronger action from the authorities. Both the Kenyan government and Ugandan officials are reportedly working together to ensure that Cheptegei receives essential medical care, including the possibility of airlifting her to Nairobi for specialized treatment.
Also Read: Liverpool’s Champions League Journey Begins: Squad Confirmation and Expectations
