Nairobi, 4 September 2024 (dpa/MIA) – Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has suffered life-threatening burns after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, local police have said.

Police said her Kenyan partner doused her with petrol and then set her on fire on Sunday, allegedly after a dispute. He is being investigated on suspicion of attempted murder.

Neighbours extinguished the fire and brought the two to hospital in the city of Eldoret.

The hospital said that Cheptegei has suffered burns on 80% of her body and also inhaled flames. She is in intensive care in a critical condition.

The partner suffered 30% burns and is also in intensive care.

In a post on X, Ugandan president Donald Rukare said that Cheptegei was "viciously attacked."

"Let’s keep Rebecca in pray and wish her a full recovery. Let’s all say NO to violence especially against women. This is totally unacceptable and we condemn this totally uncalled-for attack. Together let’s stand against violence," he said.

Cheptegei, 33, finished 44th at last month's Olympic marathon in Paris. In 2021, she won the inaugural World Mountain and Trail Running Championship.

Photo: Facebook