September 3rd 2024.
A shocking and tragic event has occurred in Kenya, involving a well-known Ugandan athlete. Rebecca Cheptegei, a distance runner and participant in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was attacked in her home in Trans Nzoia County by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. The police have reported that Ndiema purchased petrol and then proceeded to pour it on Cheptegei before setting her on fire during a heated argument on Sunday. The incident has left Cheptegei with severe burns covering 75 percent of her body, and she is currently receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Ndiema also sustained burn injuries and is receiving treatment alongside Cheptegei. It is a devastating and heartbreaking situation for both individuals, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their loved ones. The motive for the attack is still being investigated, but initial reports suggest that it may have been related to a dispute over land that Cheptegei had recently purchased in the area.
Cheptegei's parents have shared that their daughter had bought land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to the county's many athletic training centers. It is a common practice for athletes to live near these facilities to have easier access to training and coaching. However, a report filed by the local chief suggests that the couple may have been arguing over the specific plot of land where their house was built before the fire broke out. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of domestic disputes and the deadly consequences they can have.
Sadly, this is not the first time a prominent athlete has been the victim of violence. In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead with stab wounds. And in 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was also found dead, with the postmortem report indicating that she had been strangled. These incidents are a sobering reminder that violence can affect anyone, regardless of their status or achievements.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that support is available. You can reach out to the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT for help and resources. Let us all come together to condemn and prevent such senseless acts of violence, and work towards creating a safer and more peaceful world for all.
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