Paris Olympian fighting for life in Eldoret after allegedly being set ablaze by lover
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 03.09.24. | 07:48
Ndiema, the lover is expected to be charged in court once investigations are concluded
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is currently fighting for her life at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret after sustaining severe burns in a domestic dispute.
The altercation that quickly turned sour occurred between her and her alleged lover, Dickson Ndiema, in Kinyoro, Trans Nzoia County.
According to the Daily Nation, the incident took place on Sunday afternoon when Ndiema allegedly attacked the long-distance runner by pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire.
In the process, he also caught fire, and both were later admitted to the hospital in Eldoret after initial treatment in Kitale.
Alerted by distress screams, neighbours rushed the pair to Kitale Level Four Hospital where they were subsequently referred to Eldoret for more specialized care.
The report filed by Kinyoro area chief Rose Chebet stated, “The husband is believed to have sneaked into the compound yesterday (Sunday) at around 1400 hours while the wife and the children were at church.
Upon their return, Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before setting her ablaze.”
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The ongoing domestic dispute is believed to have been over a parcel of land and a house, with the couple reportedly engaged in continuous arguments over the matter.
At the scene, authorities found a 5-liter yellow jerrycan, a bag, a black beanie hat believed to belong to Dickson, and a burnt mobile phone thought to be Rebecca’s, according to the DCI Trans Nzoia West Subcounty.
Cheptegei, 33, originally from Cheminy, Uganda, participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished 44th in the women’s marathon.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the incident to The Star, stating that the athlete sustained 75 per cent burns and is now in critical condition.
Ndiema is expected to be charged in court once investigations are concluded. The incident has left the residents of Kinyoro in shock.
