AK raises red flag over doping
Kenya risks being banned from participating in global athletics competitions following the growing number of athletes allegedly found doping.
Athletics Kenya (AK) senior vice-president Paul Mutwii observed that sanctions are beckoning after foolproof evidence that some athletes had used banned substances.
Speaking at the Kericho Teachers’ Training College during a Cross-Country meet sponsored by Betika, Mutwii said the situation is dire and urged the country’s athletes to run clean if they are to win races.
“The situation is not good at all as the country could be barred from participating in major international competitions. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is overly concerned with the vice of some Kenyan runners after it emerged that a number of athletes were violating anti-doping regulations,’’ said Mutwii.
He added: “This is a serious matter that should be addressed at all costs lest it deals a devastating blow to athletics in our country.”
Suspended athletes
Mutwii reiterated that the matter is so serious that the concerned agencies could be contemplating taking action against the country should the list of suspended athletes continue growing.
Mutwii said the Anti-doping Agency of Kenya ( ADAK) is not happy about it and that it was going to put deterrent measures going forward.
He said that those found culpable will be arrested and arraigned in court with a view to stopping the menace.
The AK senior vice-president said the culprits including coaches and camp managers will be jailed if found guilty.
“Those found using prohibited substances to win unfairly will be arrested and arraigned in court. This applies to camp managers and coaches. We want this teething problem to end as it is tarnishing the country’s name in athletics circles”, he asserted.
He observed that some athletes were led into the use of illegal drugs by coaches, camp managers and others, adding that Kenya has been listed in category “A” of the offenders.
Appealed to coaches
John Wachira, the AK South Rift branch chairman and his Kericho counterpart Japheth Kemey echoed the sentiments and appealed to coaches and managers to join hands in the fight against doping.
The duo observed that the athletes who use ban substances so as to win races unfairly would not go far in their careers.
The latest athlete to be suspended last week was Mark Kangogo.
