Asbel Kiprop's estranged wife wants star help

Kenya's Asbel Kiprop celebrates after winning the men's 1500m race during the Diamond League Athletics meeting Weltklasse in Zurich, September 2015. [AFP]

The estranged wife of embattled 1500m Olympic Champion Asbel Kiprop wants an urgent counselling for the track star, who was recently found guilty of doping.

Kiprop, a three-time world champion, tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) in an out-of-competition test in Iten in November 2017 and was, barely ten days ago, slapped with a four-year ban,  but has maintained his innocence, claiming his sample may have been tampered with.

Sammary Cherotich, who separated with Kiprop yesterday said the star should not be trolled on social media.

Her appeal comes amidst warning by the police that disciplinary action might be taken against Kiprop for using social media to vent his frustrations.

Cherotich said Kiprop is depressed and needs emotional support from Kenyans, particularly athletics fans.

AIU ruled that Kiprop’s results and any titles from November 2017 to February 2018 should be cancelled by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

But during the weekend, a seemingly frustrated Kiprop took to social media to ask the National Police Service (NPS) to sack and disarm him to prevent him from using his firearm to seek justice.

Ms Cherotich, however, came to his defence, claiming the athlete never engaged in doping and he was ‘framed’ by some of his close friends.

“Asbel is depressed as we speak and needs urgent counselling. Kenyans should stand with him the same way they celebrated his wins. I am not defending him because he is my husband, but because I know he is a talented athlete who can’t dope,” Cherotich told The Standard on telephone.

She added: “I spoke with Asbel this morning after I saw his Facebook posts and he told me he is in mental anguish.”

Cherotich said she will continue defending Kiprop over the doping issue even though they are separated.

Kiprop who is also a police constable had, out of the frustrations and distress posted on Facebook: “I pray to National Police Service to dismiss me now. Before I use their machinery to earn myself justice. Kindly, IAAF come take your medals. I don’t need any on my house wall,” he tweeted at 3.23pm yesterday.

Police in Eldoret South where Kiprop had reportedly turned himself in on Sunday said investigations over the social media frustrations are being investigated.

According to area OCPD Wilson Abduba, a report will be out as soon the police conclude investigations.

At Vigilance House, Deputy Inspector General of Police Joseph Kiget said a stern action will be taken against the athlete police officer for using unofficial channels (Social Media) to express his frustrations.

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