Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret after being set on fire by her husband in a brutal attack. The incident, which has shocked the athletic community, occurred on Sunday in Chumeek village, Kinyoro, Trans Nzoia County.
Cheptegei, 33, who recently represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, sustained severe burns after her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly doused her in petrol and set her ablaze outside her home. According to Cheptegei’s father, the attack was the result of a long-standing land dispute. He also described Ndiema as a person who had been tormenting his daughter for months.
Doctors at MTRH have confirmed that Cheptegei suffered burns covering over 80% of her body, with significant damage to her skin and airways. “The amount of burns on the body is about 80%, which is really severe. Some of them are quite deep,” said MTRH acting CEO Dr. Owen Minach. The severity of her injuries has raised fears of potential multi-organ failure, a common complication in cases involving extensive burns.
Despite the grim prognosis, the medical team remains committed to stabilizing Cheptegei’s condition. “When the skin is damaged to this extent, we provide adequate antibiotics and use advanced technologies to prevent the body from going into multiple organ failure,” Dr. Minach added.
Cheptegei’s father expressed his grief and called for justice, urging authorities to ensure that the suspect is charged. He also revealed that Cheptegei’s young daughters were at church during the attack and have been placed under the care of their grandmother. “They are struggling to cope with the news,” he shared, emphasizing the need for justice for his daughter.
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Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the family is hopeful that Ndiema will be brought to justice. Meanwhile, the athletic community is rallying around Cheptegei, hoping for her recovery.