According to authorities, the 33-year-old marathon runner who took part in the last Olympics in Paris has burns over 75% of her body.
She had been training at her house in western Kenya when she was attacked.
The rising number of violent incidents against female athletes in Kenya, some of which have been fatal, is a cause for concern.
At her home in the small town of Endebess, Ms. Cheptegei is reported to have been set on fire by a former lover, who is supposed to have poured gasoline on her before neighbors came to her help.
In the incident, the claimed attacker also suffered from severe burns.
The primary town in the area, Eldoret, is home to Moi Referral Hospital, where the two are receiving treatment.
It was heard that the couple was fighting outside their home. Mr. Kosiom was cited as adding, “The boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman during the altercation before burning her.”
According to reports, Ms. Cheptegei, who is from an area in Uganda that is just across the border, purchased a plot of property in Trans Nzoia County and constructed a home next to one of Kenya’s many sports training facilities.
A local administrator’s report stated that the two had been fighting over the plot of land. According to the police, an investigation is being conducted.
