AK officials ought to quit to save our sport

Nothing has etched Kenya so deeply onto the world map like athletics. It is our national pride. Talk about athletics anywhere in the world is incomplete without a mention of Kenya. Our renowned athletes, the world beaters, are our greatest ambassadors; the reason why no disrepute should be brought into athletics through the conduct of a few individuals out to line their pockets at the expense of the country's reputation.

Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat, his deputy David Okeyo and Joseph Kinyua have been suspended by the ethics commission of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for six months in the interest of the integrity of the sport over their roles in subverting anti-doping control processes but more importantly for, in the case of Mr Kiplagat, allegedly accepting bribes from Qatar Athletics Federation in the 2014/2015 period. The two claim innocence.

But while our athletes spare no effort to win medals and to market Kenya, Athletics Kenya (AK) has been beset by never-ending leadership wrangles and governance issues. There are those who believe the current chairman, Mr Kiplagat has been at the helm for far too long and have been calling for a change of guard. In view of the latest revelations, it is time that the AK officials adversely mentioned and under suspension from IAAF exited the scene to preserve the integrity of the sport not just in Kenya, but on the international scene where our dominance is unquestionable and shouldn't be tainted by association.

AK elections will be held soon and it is imperative that delegates apply patriotism and love for the sport to elect officials who are not just likely to add value and improve standards, but also those who are untainted by corruption.

In the meantime, Mr Kiplagat and his team at Riadha House ought to quit, if only to save the sport more embarrassment.