Ugandan Athlete Suffers Horrific Burns at Hands of Romantic Partner
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan athlete who placed 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is currently hospitalized with severe burns after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire at their home in Kenya's Trans Nzoia County. Regrettably, Cheptegei is not an exception in this unfortunate trend.
Reports suggest that Cheptegei suffered extensive burns after her partner, in the heat of an argument, purchased a canister of gasoline and splashed it on her before setting her ablaze. The incident occurred on Sunday. Neighbors intervened and managed to rescue the runner, who was subsequently transported to the hospital. Regrettably, the alleged attacker also endured severe burns.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom confirmed the incident, stating that the couple had been engaged in an argument outside their home, during which the man is said to have doused the woman in gasoline and ignited the flames. Cheptegei's family disclosed that she had recently acquired a plot of land in Trans Nzoia County, specifically to be closer to the area's numerous sports training centers.
The distressing incident adds to a growing concern over the alarming trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya. In a chilling echo of recent events, Damaris Mutua, another runner, was discovered strangled in a house in Iten, a notable hub for runners, in April 2022. Agnes Tirop, a record-breaking long-distance runner, suffered a similar fate in the same city, only months prior. Sadly, male athletes have not been spared either. Ugandan steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was tragically stabbed to death by assailants in Eldoret, Kenya, in December of the preceding year.
Despite her recent placement in the Paris Olympics, Cheptegei has also garnered accolades, having clinched gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The sports training centers in Trans Nzoia County were a draw for Cheptegei, offering her opportunities to enhance her athletic skills in sports. This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the rising violence against sports personnel in Kenya.
