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Jeptoo gets two-year ban for doping


Disgraced long distance runner Rita Jeptoo has been banned for two years for testing positive to prohibited substance Erythropoietin (EPO).

Jeptoo’s fate was sealed on December 19, 2014 after her ‘B’ Sample urine test corroborated her ‘A’ Sample that tested positive for EPO in urine sample that was collected out of competition in Eldoret on September 24, 2014.

The results came out just days before the New York Marathon race that was due for November 2 where Jeptoo was to be rewarded as one of the winners of the Sh 90m for the World Marathon Majors Series.

Jeptoo made history as the first person to win four consecutive World Marathon Majors Series when she defended her Boston and Chicago Marathon titles.

With the confirmation of Jeptoo’s ban, her compatriot and two-times world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat is now in line for the Sh 90m share of the World Marathon Majors Series.

This new development took place as Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario on Friday made clear his intentions to effect anti-doping control measures even for individuals who engage in recreational sports.

Speaking during the close of a week-long workshop organized by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) at a Nairobi hotel, Wario reaffirmed his commitment to curb doping amongst Kenyan athlete and promised to implement WADA’s recommendations to the letter.

CLEAN SPORTS

“We have had very healthy discussions this week and I am optimistic that we will ultimately make Kenya get a sanctified image. The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya is now in force and it will be working round the look to ensure that every sports person engages in clean sports, even individuals who take part in non-competitive sports,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also said that the recently gazetted Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya will have its first meeting next week where the five members led by former Sports Permanent Secretary James Waweru will draft a budget, which will be taken to parliament for approval.

“The ratification of this body is a sure step towards combating the vice because it is the first structure that has been put in place to deal with doping. The newly appointed officials have already hit the ground running and have begun working on modalities of how they will go about their duty,” he said.

ADAK was gazetted early this week as the local anti-doping council, but Wario said that the body still has a long way to go before it begins proper work.

“There are still a lot of processes involved. We have to look at the landscape, do some clean up exercises, tighten our strategies and speak to stakeholders before we argue out our case in parliament. It is however a very urgent matter and I believe the other legislators will act with speed because doping cannot wait,” he said.

WADA arrived in the country on Sunday last week to assess the steps made by the country in combating the increased use of banned substances by Kenyan athletes.

At the culmination of the meeting, Wario signed a one year tripartite agreement with officials from China and Norway committing to assist the country in countering the vice.