Act quickly to clean up athletics

NAIROBI: There was another blight on Kenya’s image — this time because little-known athlete Lilian Mariita was banned for eight years after her second anti-doping violation. The 26-year-old Kenyan tested positive for a prohibited anabolic agent joining a string of others who have been sanctioned for unsporting behaviour.

From Joyce Zakary (400 metres), Rita Jeptoo (marathon) and Koki Manunga (400 metres hurdles), the sanctions for doping violations have come swiftly from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

But these events should not have come as a surprise because even those who manage the sport have not been spared from irregularities. Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman, secretary and treasurer, Isaiah Kiplagat, David Okeyo and Joseph Kinyua were all suspended from athletics for 180 days following recommendations by IAAF Ethics Commission. They are accused of cover-up of positive doping cases involving Kenyan athletes and mishandling money received from sponsors.

Kenya rides on its international reputation to build its brand image and no effort should be spared to redeem this cherished reputation. Therefore, all stakeholders should play their part in cleaning up athletics.