Rebecca Cheptegei: Ugandan Athlete Set on Fire To Be Airlifted to Nairobi

• The government has revealed that Rebecca Cheptegei will be transferred to Nairobi for specialised treatment
• Cheptegei suffered life-threatening burns after her boyfriend reportedly set her on fire over land disagreement
• The Ugandan athlete had only returned after recently representing her country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

The government has taken over Rebecca Cheptegei's case with the Ugandan athlete now set to be airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

Cheptegei is currently fighting for her life at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret after she was doused with petrol and set on fire by her Kenyan lover.

The suspect is said to have ambushed the Ugandan athlete as she was coming from church with her children on September 1 in Endebes, Trans Nzoia County. The bone of contention, according to her family, was a longstanding issue about a piece of land, as captured by Citizen Digital.

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Cheptegei sustained 80% burns, with the doctors describing her situation as critical. The government, through the Ministry of Sports, has now revealed that they will take over.

Government takes over Rebecca Cheptegei's treatment

Sports PS Peter Tum disclosed that plans were already underway to airlift the Ugandan Olympian to Nairobi for further treatment.

"We are working together to see whether we can airlift the lady from Eldoret to Nairobi for specialised treatment. We want to see that she is given the best available medical care in this country even as we discuss how to progress further," he said, as quoted by Capital Sports.

Tum also revealed that they are in discussions with the government of Uganda, assuring that the relevant security organs are working to ensure that justice is served.

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The suspect, Dickson Ndiema, also sustained 30% burns and is still receiving treatment as well.

Rebecca Cheptegei's career and achievements

Briefly News had earlier reported on the achievements of Rebecca Cheptegei.

Cheptegei represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women's marathon, finishing in 44th place.

The seasoned middle and long-distance runner started her career in 2010 and is the second-fastest female marathoner in Uganda's history.

Source: TUKO.co.ke