Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after being set on fire by her former boyfriend in Kenya. The attack highlights a disturbing trend of violence against female athletes in the region, with several similar incidents reported in recent years.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan athlete who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, is fighting for her life with severe burns covering 75% of her body after a horrific domestic violence incident in Kenya. The attack, allegedly by her former boyfriend, occurred at her home in Trans Nzoia County and has sparked widespread outrage and concern over the safety of female athletes in the area.
The assault on Rebecca Cheptegei occurred on a Sunday afternoon when she was returning from church with her two children. Her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, is accused of pouring petrol on her and setting her ablaze following a dispute over land. Both Cheptegei and Ndiema sustained serious burns and are currently receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Local police are investigating the incident, which adds to a growing list of violent attacks against female athletes in the region.
Rebecca Cheptegei has been a prominent figure in long-distance running, representing Uganda at various international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics and the World Championships. Her achievements include winning gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Cheptegei's commitment to her sport led her to purchase land in Kenya, known for its world-class athletic training facilities, where she built a home and trained for her competitions.
The attack on Cheptegei is part of a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence targeting female athletes in Kenya. Past incidents include the murder of Agnes Tirop in 2021 and the death of Damaris Mutua in 2022, both involving their partners. These cases have raised alarms about the safety of female athletes, prompting calls for better protection and awareness. Initiatives like Tirop’s Angels have been established to combat this violence and support victims.
The brutal attack on Rebecca Cheptegei not only highlights her personal tragedy but also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of violence against women in sports. As the global community reacts with shock and condemnation, there is a growing demand for measures to ensure the safety and security of female athletes, both on and off the field.
"We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her." - Uganda Athletics Federation