Kenya’s long-distance runner Cheruiyot handed two-year ban for an anti-doping violation

Current Kenyan law stipulates a jail term of up to three years for support staff found guilty in connection with doping, but not for athletes. [Photo: Courtesy]

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned Kenya’s long-distance runner Philip Cheruiyot Kangogo for two years over an anti-doping violation.

Kangogo was punished for the presence of a banned substance Higamine – under article 2.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

“The AIU has banned Kenyan long-distance runner Philip Cheruiyot Kangogo for two years with effect from 31 July 2019 for the presence and use of a prohibited substance, both violations of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules,” AIU confirmed on Thursday.

The Barcelona Marathon winner suspended for two years (from 31 April 2019 to July 31 202), however, can appeal AIU’s decision.

His personal best time in the marathon is 2:08:16 which he achieved at the Barcelona marathon in 2015.

Kangogo now joins road runner Alex Korio, former World Marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang, Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong, Rita Jeptoo, the Boston and Chicago marathon champion and former World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop among other Kenyans who have been banned in five years.

Current Kenyan law stipulates a jail term of up to three years for support staff found guilty in connection with doping, but not for athletes.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said in June they will pass legislation to criminalise doping offences.

During a meeting with veteran athletes, CS Mohamed said that they were working closely with ADAK to present the document to Parliament for debate.

If the Bill is passed, offenders will serve jail terms as the country intensifies its fight against the vice.

From 2004 to August 2018, 138 Kenyan athletes tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, according to a WADA report published in September 2018.

With their high number of dopers, Kenya was placed under category A on the list of countries being watched together with Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bahrain, Morocco, Ukraine and Belarus.