Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei suffered life-threatening burns after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, local police said. Police said her Kenyan partner doused her in petrol and then set her on fire on Sunday, allegedly after an argument. He is under investigation on suspicion of attempted murder. Neighbors put out the fire and took the two to the hospital in Eldoret town. The hospital said Cheptegei suffered burns over 80 percent of his body and inhaled smoke and flames. He is in intensive care in critical condition. His partner suffered 30% burns and is also in intensive care.
In a post on X, Ugandan President Donald Rukare said Cheptegei was “brutally attacked. We are praying for Rebecca and wishing her a speedy recovery. We say NO to violence, especially against women. It is completely impossible and we condemn this attack without reason. Together, let’s fight violence.” Cheptegei, 33, placed 44th in the Paris Olympic marathon last month. In 2021, he won the first world mountain running and trail running championships.
