Wambui and Kageha out of Kenya team to world meet

World Under-18 champion Jackline Wambui, who also won the at the 800m at the Kenya trials, and Linda Kageha, who was named in the mixed relay team, have withdrawn from the team bound for the World Championships after failing to take mandatory testosterone level tests.

Athletics Kenya Vice President in charge of competitions Paul Mutwii confirmed Wambui and Kageha had declined the mandatory test and withdrew from the global showpiece event in Doha.

“The IAAF has set tough conditions on gender and doping and we must comply. If an athlete fails to take the tests, they are definitely out of the (world) championships,” Mutwii told Reuters.

Wambui’s withdrawal left 2013 world champion Eunice Sum as Kenya's only entrant in women’s 800m event.

At the same time Michael Kibet and Daniel Simiyu, who finished first and second in 5,000m at the Kenyan trials, are still awaiting clearance to run in the World Championships after failing to meet Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) criteria for three out-of competition and one in-competition doping tests.

“We have, however, entered them pending clearance from AIU. We expect a response from AIU by Monday next week,” Mutwii added.

Nicholas Kibet and Jacob Krop, who finished third and fourth at the trials, have also been entered.

“We have entered Krop so that we have two athletes in case AIU fails to clear Kibet and Simiyu,” Mutwii said.

The Doha-bound team yesterday received the national flag from Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed who promised the team will receive all allowances on Monday a day before they depart for Doha. “I bring to you best wishes from our President (Uhuru Kenyatta), who has promised to follow all the proceedings in Doha. I handover the flag to you and go out there represent the county in the best way possible by winning,” Amina said.

Meanwhile Kenya’s head coach Julius Kirwa has praised Elijah Manang’oi, after the injured athlete pulled out of the team headed to the World Championships. 

The veteran track tactician lauded the world 1,500m champion for his sincerity: “I have never seen such a high level of honestly since 1983 when I started my athletics career, he is unique.” He added: “Manangoi’s injury has been a little of a challenge to us, but it was an unforeseen occurrence.”

Consequently, Athletics Kenya have drafted the former World Under-20 1,500m Champion, Kumari Taki in Manangoi’s place.

He joins Timothy Cheruiyot, Ronald Kwemoi and George Manangoi in the 1,500m team.

Kirwa’s sentiments were echoed by middle distance coach, Benard Ouma.