Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic marathon runner and 2021 World Mountain Running Champion, has been doused in petrol and set alight by her partner, according to police.
Following the incident on Sunday, the 33-year-old is being treated in hospital in the town of Eldoret in Kenya with serious burns. Police say her partner ambushed Cheptegei with a five-liter petrol can at her home in Trans-Nzoia County in rural western Kenya while she was at church.
Previously, there had allegedly been a dispute between the two over a piece of land, among other things. Cheptegei's partner was also caught in the flames. Neighbors extinguished the fire and took them both to hospital, according to reports. The police are now investigating the man for attempted murder.
According to the hospital in Eldoret, Cheptegei was admitted to the intensive care unit with burns to around 80 percent of her body surface. She had also inhaled flames and suffered internal burns. The athlete, who is receiving artificial respiration, is currently still in mortal danger. The alleged perpetrator is also in intensive care with burns to 30 percent of his body surface.
SDA
