27 Athletes Suspended as Doping Scandal Resurfaces in Kenyan Sports
Recent suspension decisions have brought the issue of doping back to the forefront of athletics in Kenya. The Kenyan Anti-Doping Agency announced the temporary suspension of 27 local athletes due to violations of internationally recognized anti-doping regulations. This move reflects ongoing pressures on a country that is considered one of the leading global powers in athletics.
These measures are part of a prolonged crisis, as the Integrity Unit of World Athletics has previously suspended more than 140 Kenyan athletes since 2017, the majority of whom are long-distance runners who form the backbone of the nation’s successes in global competitions.
Among those affected is athlete Waisman Wery, Kenya’s champion in the 400-meter hurdles and a participant in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he reached the semifinals. His suspension stems from what are known as “missed tests,” a violation related to failing to inform the authorities of his whereabouts for unexpected doping tests.
This development comes at a time when Wery was making noteworthy progress in his athletic career, having recorded a personal best of 48.34 seconds at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic, positioning him as a rising star in the 400-meter hurdles.
The penalties also extended to seasoned runner Rita Jeptoo, a former winner of the Boston and Chicago marathons, after it was proven that she had consumed banned substances. Despite her successful track record from 2006 to 2014, she finds herself once again entangled in doping controversies.
The list of suspensions also includes athletes from team sports, featuring five football players, including Charles Oma of Kenya Police, as well as Ronnie Onyango, who plays for Norwegian club Sogndal, alongside female basketball and volleyball players.
These issues highlight the challenges Kenya faces in combating doping, as sports authorities work to enhance oversight and protect the nation’s reputation, which has been synonymous with dominance in long-distance running at international championships for decades.
