By Lerte Tellah – Nairobi
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently competed in the 10,000-meter race at the Paris Olympics, is in critical condition after a brutal attack allegedly carried out by her boyfriend in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The incident occurred on Monday, leaving Cheptegei with severe injuries.
According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, Cheptegei was doused with petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend, who also sustained serious burns in the attack. Both are currently receiving medical treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. The athlete has suffered burns covering 75% of her body, and her condition is critical.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the motive behind the attack.
Cheptegei was initially admitted to Kitale Level Four Hospital but was later transferred to MTRH due to the severity of her injuries. Her parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, who had left for Uganda, rushed back to Trans Nzoia upon hearing about the assault.
Rebecca Cheptegei, originally from Cheminy in Uganda, had purchased land and built a house in Trans Nzoia, where she had been residing while training.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage and concern across the athletic community, with many calling for swift justice and thorough investigations.
