Doping: Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya to conduct thorough doping investigations, says CEO Rugut

PAC GRILLS FORMER NYS DIRECTOR RUGUT Former National Youth Service Director Japhter Rugut at Parliament Buildings where he was grilled for several hours by PAC on issues involving NYS saga 06-010-16 PHOTO MOSES OMUSULA

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) Chief Executive Officer, Japhter Rugut, says they have learned valuable lessons from the failed cases to prosecute Italian nationals, Federico Rosa and Claudio Berardelli.

The respected athletes’ agent and the latter who is a former employee of Rosa Associati firm were cleared by the courts last November and a week ago in that order after being charged with offences related to the high-profile doping of Rita Jeptoo.

Jeptoo, who was a client of Rosa who was then coached by Berardelli, tested positive for blood-booster, EPO, in September 2014 and subsequently saw her ban extended to four years following an IAAF appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2016.

Speaking to Standard Sport from Mombasa on Thursday where he was attending an Adak meeting, Rugut stressed the fight against substance abuse in the country was gathering momentum with several cases before court.

He insisted they would ensure thorough investigations are conducted before charging suspects to avoid a repeat of the botched investigations that led to the crumbling of the cases against Federico and the acquittal of Berardelli.

“As everyone is aware, the cases against the Italians were not brought to court by Adak. The athlete involved felt perhaps at the time felt she was entitled to seek justice after being suspended from the sport,” he added.

Rugut conceded, the collapse of the cases against Federico and Berardelli was an eye opener in their quest to prosecute drug cheats, suppliers, agents and coaches in future.

“Although the aggrieved athlete felt the need to take the complaints to court, the assembly of information was not thorough.

“In the cases we are pursuing, we must be more systematic in gathering the intelligence and information so that the cases do not fall flat on our faces,” the Adak chief said.

“Our issues do not end in the sanctioning of the athletes. We are also pursuing doctors and other unscrupulous fellows involved in doping since our aim is to punish those involved in the demand and supply of these substances,” Rugut emphasised.

Adak, he maintained, would still work with the DCI and Anti-Narcotics officers in pursuing those involved in the vice. [Kimathi Kamau]