World
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei in hospital after alleged petrol attack by boyfriend, local reports say
A Ugandan marathon runner has suffered severe burns after an alleged attack from her boyfriend.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is receiving treatment for 75% burns after being attacked in her house in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday.
Ndiema also sustained burn wounds, and the two are receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Cheptegei’s parents said their 33-year-old daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s many athletic training centres.
A report filed by the local chief says the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built, before the fire started.