At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Rebecca Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the marathon, is undergoing treatment for 75% burns sustained from an attack at her home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
Following a Sunday argument, Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s lover, bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and lit her on fire, according to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom on Monday.
CityNdiema also had burn injuries, and in the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, the two are getting specialist care.
Cheptegei’s parents stated their 33-year-old daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia so that she could be close to the several sports training facilities in the area.
According to a report filed by the local chief, the couple was heard fighting over the property where the house was built before the fire broke out.