Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei suffers severe burns in alleged domestic assault

In a shocking incident, a Ugandan long-distance runner who participated in the Paris Olympics, is battling for her life in Kenya after a horrific attack. Local authorities reported that the athlete was brutally burned by a man she was in a relationship with, on a Sunday.

Critical Condition

Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, is currently in critical condition at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Dr. Owen Menach, a medical professional at the hospital, revealed that she has sustained burns to 80 percent of her body.

The attacker, identified as Dickson Ndiema, reportedly entered Ms. Cheptegei's residence in Trans-Nzoia County with a jerrycan of gasoline. According to Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, commander of the Trans Nzoia County Police in Kitale, Kenya, the assailant poured gasoline on the victim and set her ablaze.

The assailant suffered burns to 30 percent of his body as a result of the incident. Despite the nature of the assault, no arrests have been made as of now, according to law enforcement.