Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Critically Injured in Attack

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, is in critical condition after her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly poured gasoline on her and set her on fire during a dispute at their home in western Kenya. Cheptegei sustained severe burns covering approximately 75-80% of her body and is currently receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. The attack occurred while she was returning home from church with her children, prompting neighbors to intervene and extinguish the flames. Ndiema also suffered burns and has been hospitalized. The incident has drawn significant attention to gender-based violence in the region, with local authorities and the Ugandan Olympic Committee calling for an end to such violence. Cheptegei’s parents are traveling to support their daughter during her recovery.