Train at Kiptenden at your own peril, AK warns

by Feverpitch Reporter

Athletics Kenya (AK) has promised to unearth murkier details on Kiptenden Athletics Club ordered closed by the federation last month in a move that generated controversy.

AK chief, Isaiah Kiplagat, told reporters on Thursday, "We have advised athletes training there to go to other camps and if they continue training there, they are doing so at their own peril.

"Things are emerging from Kiptenden and we will reveal more disturbing facts about the camp soon. The area MP will be with us when we do so."

When asked why athletes are still training at the camp under Kiptenden coach, David Koskei who was banned for life by AK, Kiplagat responded: "As far as we are concerned, Kiptenden remains closed for life."

The chair explained that Nairobi’s Riruta Satellite School coach, Gregory Kilonzo, who was previously banned alongside Koskei had his sanction reduced to a year’s probation.

"Should he do anything that is not in order in that period, he will be out for life. We pardoned him after he presented a petition that included submissions from the school he trains and the parents of those affected," Kiplagat charged.

This announcement on the latest development in the Kiptenden saga saw Kiplagat and Sports Minister Helen Sambili clash over its closure on October 28 when the latter directed AK to re-open the Kericho-based camp. Kiplagat retorted the minister should keep off athletics affairs but a day later, AK relented saying they would reconsider the decision to shut the camp.

Koskei has maintained his innocence over allegations of sexual exploitation of underage girls and other amorous acts while accusing AK of witch-hunting and perpetrating supremacy pitch battles between South Rift and North Rift regions.

Meanwhile, the December 5 fourth KCB/AK weekend cross-country meet has now been moved from Nciiru in Meru to Kangaru, Embu. The event was originally scheduled for Kenya Methodist University grounds.

 

 

Read all about: AK Athletics Kenya Kiptenden Athletics Club

 

 

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