Kenya sanctions 27 athletes over doping offenses

Kenyan marathon runner Rita Jeptoo and national 400m hurdles champion Wiseman Were are among 26 athletes who have been provisionally suspended for doping violations. The announcement was made Monday by the country’s anti-doping agency.

The suspensions involve athletes from various sports, including running, football, and basketball.

Rita Jeptoo’s Suspension

Rita Jeptoo, 45, a former winner of the Boston and Chicago Marathons, has been suspended again after a test revealed the presence of prohibited anabolic androgenic steroids. Jeptoo had previously received a four-year ban in 2014 and returned to racing three years ago. Her suspension will remain in effect until her hearing, the date of which has not been announced.

Wiseman Were’s Suspension

Wiseman Were, 28, a Commonwealth 4x400m relay bronze medallist, has been suspended for missing three anti-doping tests since August 2025. His ban began on February 14 and will continue until his case is heard. The timing of the hearing is currently unknown.

Recent Doping Cases in Kenya

Since 2017, over 140 Kenyan athletes, primarily long-distance runners, have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). This includes current women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, who was provisionally suspended in July after testing positive for a diuretic, and Benard Kibet Koech, who was suspended in June after finishing fifth in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympics.

ADAK and the World Anti-Doping Agency

The recent suspensions occurred after the Kenyan Anti-Doping Agency (ADAK) was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency non-compliance watch list, having met the required standards.