Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is in vital situation in a Kenyan hospital after she was allegedly doused with petrol and set on hearth by her ex-boyfriend.
The 33-year-old marathon runner, who lately competed within the Paris Olympics, suffered burns to greater than 75 p.c of her physique, police stated.
She was attacked at her house in western Kenya, the place she was coaching.
There are issues over rising instances of violence towards feminine athletes in Kenya, a few of which have resulted in deaths.
Ms Cheptegei was allegedly rescued by neighbors following the incident at her house within the small city of Ndebes on Sunday.
She was coming back from church together with her two youngsters when she was focused.
The attacker additionally suffered extreme burns, native police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom instructed reporters.
The 2 are being handled at Moi Referral Hospital within the area’s foremost city of Eldoret.
“The couple had been heard arguing exterior the home. Through the argument, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the girl after which burning her,” Mr Cosim stated.
Ms Cheptegei, who hails from the border area of Uganda, is alleged to have purchased land and constructed a home in Tran Nzoa County, near Kenya’s many sports activities coaching centres.
A report filed by native directors stated the pair had been preventing for the land. Police stated the investigation is ongoing.
Ms. Cheptegei completed forty fourth within the current Paris Olympic marathon.
She additionally gained a gold medal on the 2022 World Mountain and Path Working Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In April 2022, one other feminine runner, Damaris Mutua, Found strangled to death Her face is roofed with a pillow in a home within the Rift Valley city of Iten.
Just a few months in the past, long-distance runner Agnes Tirop broke the document Found stabbed to death In the identical city.
In each instances, their companions had been recognized by authorities because the prime suspects.
Ms Tirop’s husband now faces homicide costs, which he denies, whereas the seek for Ms Mutua’s boyfriend continues.
Males are additionally focused.
In December final yr, one other Ugandan athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat stabbed to death Raiders of Eldoret.
