Kipchoge backs IAAF decision to ban Kenyan athletes

National Olympic Committee of Kenya President Kipchoge Keino and Cambridge International School CEO Anthony Millward commissions the 400m tartan running track at the institution in a past event. PHOTO / DENIS OKEYO

NAIROBI, Kenya: National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) chairman Kipchoge Keino has backed IAAF decision to temporarily ban eight Kenyan athletes for doping.

Marathon runner Alice Ndirangu was the worst hit as she was handed a four years suspension for using the banned substances at the 2012 Maraton Gobernador 47 in Mexico.

Stephen Kibet Tanui, Philip Kandie, Emily Perpetua Chepkorir, Julius Kiprono Mutai, James Maunga Nyankabaria and Elizabeth Chelagat were handed a two years' ban each with Flomena Jebet Chepchirchir suspended for six months.

Speaking on the sidelines of a three-day anti-doping seminar at Ole Sereni Hotel yesterday, the legendary long distance runner, said the Kenya's athletics reputation has been damaged by the series of doping case and urged the newly formed Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to take stern action against individuals who aid athletes to dope.

"I am fully behind IAAF for punishing those Kenyan athletes involved doping. This can serve as lesson to those who might be planning or thinking to use the banned substances. And those people who are messing up with our athletes must also be dealt with severely. We want the natural and talented athletes we've to protect our sporting image on the global scene," said Keino.

"But with more seminars and sensitization programs I am confident the doping cases will reduce."

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts Dr. Hassan Wario has hinted at disclosing the names of those individuals helping athletes to use the banned substances as reported by the Prof Moni Wekesa led Task Force Committee.

"The envelope still remains sealed. We will talk about it another time when Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) is fully operational. Our role will be to punish and also educate. We are on a learning curve and we hope to learn a lot from this seminar," Wario told journalists at the Anti-doping seminar at Ole Sereni Hotel.

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