Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after a brutal attack in western Kenya.
The 33-year-old Olympian suffered severe burns to over 75% of her body when she was doused with petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend.
The incident, which occurred at her home in Endebess, has sparked concerns about the increasing violence against female athletes in Kenya.
Cheptegei was rescued by neighbors and is currently receiving treatment at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The alleged attacker also sustained injuries and is under medical care. Local police are investigating the incident, which is believed to have stemmed from a dispute over land ownership.
Cheptegei, who represented Uganda at the recent Paris Olympics, has been a prominent figure in Kenyan athletics.
Her attack is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by female athletes in the region.
In recent years, several female Kenyan athletes have been victims of violence, including Damaris Mutua and Agnes Tirop, both of whom were found murdered under suspicious circumstances.
Their partners have been identified as the primary suspects in these cases.
The tragic death of Benjamin Kiplagat, another Ugandan athlete, highlights the fact that violence against athletes is not limited to women.
