Kenyan MPs slam official over crucial anti-doping bill

NAIROBI: A top Sports ministry official has been sharply criticised for issuing misleading reports to a House committee on the anti-doping bill.

Members of the National Assembly's Labour and Social Welfare Committee yesterday said Sports Principal Secretary Richard Ekai had assured the team that there was no risk of the country being banned from taking part in international athletics competitions if the bill was not passed.

"Mr Ekai, in an engagement three weeks ago, had indicated to the committee that there was no risk of the country being banned for not passing the Anti-Doping Bill by the April 5 deadline, which is not the case," said Samuel Gichigi (Kipipiri).

The MP told journalists yesterday that because of the erroneous assurance, the committee did not treat the legislation with the urgency it deserved.

"It has since been indicated to us that it is crucial that the bill be passed before the deadline given by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) as it will determine whether the country will participate in the 2016 Olympics games. We have started the process and the bill will be passed into law in time," said Mr Gichigi.

The sponsor of the bill, Cherangany MP Wesley Korir, said they will ensure that the important legislation is passed urgently and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) is legalised as per Wada's requirements.

"There have been misleading suggestions by the Ministry of Sports in as far as the urgency of this matter is concerned. But I am happy my fellow committee members now know the truth and the risk we face as a country if it is not enacted," he said.

The bill by Mr Korir, a former Boston Marathon champion, proposes criminalisation of doping and heavy punishment for those involved in the vice, which is increasingly becoming a crisis in local and international athletics circles.

"My bill seeks to have a valid anti-doping agency in the country as Adak was formed by an executive order. The body is not recognised internationally as a legal and independent agency," explained Korir.