Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games last month, is currently receiving care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The government of Kenya has offered to oversee the treatment of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who had suffered multiple burns during a domestic quarrel with her estranged boyfriend on Sunday.
Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games last month, is currently receiving care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum revealed on Wednesday, September 4 that they are working closely with their Ugandan counterparts to ensure the Paris Olympian receives the best treatment.
“We have had discussions with the Minister of Sports in Uganda. We are working together to see whether we can airlift the lady from Eldoret to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
Sports PS Peter Tum speaks during the launch of the Nairobi City Expressway Marathon on September 4, 2024. /CAPITAL GROUP
“We want to see that she is given the best available medical care in this country even as we discuss how to progress further,” Tum said during the launch of the Nairobi City marathon.
Tum’s announcement came on the heels of the disturbing news that Cheptegei, who suffered burns to over 75 per cent of her body, was allegedly attacked by her partner in a domestic dispute. The burns came after she was set ablaze at her home in Kinyoro location.
According to a police report filed by area chief Rose Chebet, the boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly doused petrol on the athlete, who had just returned from church with her two children, before striking a match.
Ndiema also suffered burns and was admitted to the hospital as well. Police embarked on investigations into the circumstances of the incident, believed to be instigated by a tussle over a piece of land.
“We are very sorry for that. Just like Athletics Kenya (AK) has said, the federation and the government have put in place a welfare plan for athletes and those who participate in competitions – both here and elsewhere,” the PS commented further on the incident, terming it highly regrettable.
Speaking at the same time, AK president Jack Tuwei castigated the incident and urged athletes to resolve issues in their personal lives amicably.
“We want to condemn this act in the strongest term possible. It is a very sad affair. You cannot just harm somebody just because you do not agree on anything. We want to say sorry and wish her a quick recovery. We ask all Kenyans to pray for her recovery so that she can go on to win more titles,” Tuwei remarked.
He revealed the federation is in touch with their counterparts in Uganda to keep them abreast of any new developments.
“I know the police are already investigating it. We will be following it up…I have already talked to our counterparts in the Ugandan Federation. They are also doing something about it and we are working as a team,” the president expressed.
The attack occurred in Trans Nzoia County, where Cheptegei was staying in a house she maintains while training in Kenya.
Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed that Ndiema is receiving medical care for burns covering 30 per cent of his body. The incident has since shocked both the local and international athletics communities.
Cheptegei, aged 33, finished 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics. Her condition remains critical but stable, according to doctors at MTRH. Cheptegei’s case has prompted a significant response from both Kenyan and Ugandan authorities, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The international athletics community has rallied in support of Cheptegei, with many expressing outrage over the incident. As the investigation continues, there is a strong call for justice and accountability for those responsible for the attack.