A Ugandan athlete living in Kenya was attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend and is receiving treatment for burns on 75% of her body, police said.

Rebecca Cheptegei, a distance runner who finished at the 44th position in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was attacked in her house in the western Trans Nzoia County.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said Monday that Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday. Ndiema also sustained burn wounds, and the two are receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.

Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s many athletic training centers.

    • Maeve
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      1316 days ago

      I feel that, to the core. I’m sorry, perhaps I should delete the comment to avoid distressing others?

      • @[email protected]OP
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        3416 days ago

        I firmly believe you made a teaching comment and it should stay.

        You never know who it will help.

          • @gravitas_deficiency
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            715 days ago

            Unfortunately, sometimes, that is the way it is. It still doesn’t diminish the value of the knowledge.