Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei who sustained 75 percent burns after being attacked by an alleged boyfriend has been admitted to ICU at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret in Kenya.
Cheptegei is allegedly being doused with petrol by a former boyfriend. The man accused of the attack Dickson Ndiema Marangach is also admitted at the same ICU. A report filed by a local administrator said the two had been wrangling over the piece of land.
Dr Owen Menach, The hospital’s acting CEO has confirmed that the two had been admitted to the ICU but he is expected to give a briefing on their condition.
According to police in Kenya, the 33-year-old marathon runner, who competed at the recent Paris Olympics, has suffered burns to over 75% of her body.
Ms Cheptegei was attacked at her home in western Kenya, where she had been training. Preliminary findings revealed that Ms Cheptegei was rescued by neighbours after a former partner allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire at her home in the small town of Endebess.
According to a local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom, The alleged attacker also sustained serious burns in the incident that happened on Sunday. The two are being treated at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the main town in the region.
“The couple was heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Mr Kosiom told the journalists. Ms Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics.
