Police IG Hillary Mutyambai meets stressed Kiprop, promises to take care of him

Troubled Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop meets Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai at the National Police Service headquarters, Jogoo House, Nairobi on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. [Photo, Courtesy]

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai met stressed athlete Asbel Kiprop and pledged to support him.

It was the first time the two met after Kiprop, a former world and Olympic champion threatened to commit suicide at the weekend over a ban imposed on him over claims of doping.

Kiprop is a police officer of the rank of Chief Inspector. He was brought to National Police Service headquarters Jogoo House where the meeting took place.

Yesterday, Mutyambai termed Kiprop a hero who they must never forget.

“I am here to take care of all officers as they provide safety and security to all, I included. Let us share what we are going through to avoid what we have seen where sadly, officers have had to take away their lives. I am personally following up on Kiprop’s case,” he said.

The police boss promised to also take the welfare of all officers seriously as a way of addressing such incidents of Kiprop.

Mutyambai later visited General Service Unit headquarters where he interacted with officers. He also visited the Recce Company headquarters in Ruiru where he promoted two officers who were actively involved in the rescue of people during the dusitD2 attack on January 15.

“I am one of you and have previously worked with you behind the scenes. I promise to support you as you undertake your delicate duties to save lives when called upon to do so. I will not forget you,” he said.

Kiprop surrendered himself to police after took to social media to vent his frustrations.

Kiprop has been suspended for using banned performance-enhancing substances.

In a sensational tweet, Kiprop, 29, dared his National Police Service bosses to sack him and withdraw his firearm before he uses it to “earn justice”.

He also dared the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world athletics governing body, to take all the medals he won in global competitions where he specialises in the 1,500 metres race.

“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.

 “They can’t stand me now & for me to earn justice but if I die today, they will attend my send off to testify my legacy & preach my legacy! Don’t welcome them.”