Olympic marathon runner hospitalised after boyfriend ‘set her on fire’ leaving her with 75% burns in petrol attack at her house

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is receiving treatment in hospital for 75 per cent burns after allegedly being sent on fire by her boyfriend.

Cheptegei had recently returned to Kenya following the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she represented Uganda in the marathon.

Police have confirmed Cheptegei was attacked in her house in the western Trans Nzoia County, where she had been training.

Cheptegei had allegedly been set on fire by her former boyfriend Dickson Ndiema.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said her former partner had bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday.

Cheptegei is currently being treated at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.

Ndiema, who also sustained burns, is being treated at the same hospital.