Kenya Airlifts Injured Ugandan Olympian To Nairobi For Special Treatment
Kenya has intervened to oversee the treatment of Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathon runner who suffered severe burns in a terrifying incident.
Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics last month, is now receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum confirmed that the government is preparing to airlift Cheptegei to Nairobi for advanced treatment.
Tum’s announcement followed the disturbing news that Cheptegei, who suffered burns to more than 75% of her body, was allegedly attacked by her partner during a domestic dispute.
UPDATE: Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei to be airlifted to Nairobi for more specialised care.
— Kaslim (@TheKaslim) September 4, 2024
Sports PS Eng. Peter Tum has said during the Nairobi Expressway Marathon press conference. pic.twitter.com/7zVo05tacL
“We are making every effort to ensure that Rebecca Cheptegei receives the specialised care she needs,” Tum said during the launch of the Nairobi City Marathon.
He added, “Both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments are collaborating closely to address this tragic situation and provide the necessary support for her recovery.”
The Ugandan sports community, led by Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, has been in constant contact with Kenyan officials to speed up the process.
Ogwang echoed Tum’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of giving Cheptegei the best possible care and justice.
Athletics Kenyan President Jack Tuwei, who is also a vice-president of World Athletics, condemned the attack.
“It is profoundly distressing and unacceptable to harm someone over personal disagreements. This act of violence is against the values we stand for as a sporting community,” Tuwei remarked.
🇺🇬 Ugandan distance runner Rebecca #Cheptegei is in intensive care in #Kenya 🇰🇪 after her boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her on fire.
— Eye on Africa – France 24 (@EyeOnAfricaF24) September 4, 2024
Our correspondent @bastien_rnl has the details and @MKTInspires gives us his analysis ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/jwdNdnxCNK
The attack happened in Trans Nzoia County, where Cheptegei was staying at a house she owns while training in Kenya.
According to reports, her partner allegedly doused her in petrol before setting her on fire. The partner, who also had burns, is being treated at the same hospital in Eldoret.
Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed that the partner is receiving medical care for burns that cover 30 percent of his body.
The police are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has shocked both the local and international athletic communities.
Cheptegei, 33, placed 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics. Her condition is critical but stable, according to doctors at MTRH.
Cheptegei’s case has elicited a strong response from Kenyan and Ugandan authorities, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The international athletics community has rallied in support of Cheptegei, with many outraged by the incident.
As the investigation continues, there is an outcry for justice and accountability for those responsible for the attack.
Kenya Airlifts Injured Ugandan Olympian To Nairobi For Special Treatment
