Another Kenyan Athlete Suspended Over Doping

Kenya’s long-distance runner Daniel Wanjiru has been suspended for violating anti-doping rules.

Wanjiru, who is the 2017 London Marathon champion, has provisionally been suspended by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for an Athlete Biological Passport violation under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended marathon specialist Daniel Kinyua Wanjiru of Kenya with immediate effect for an Athlete Biological Passport violation under the @worldathletics anti-doping rules,” the AIU said on Twitter.

The sanction on Wednesday came just two months after another high profile Kenyan, former world junior 800 metres champion Alfred Kipketer, also suspended for the same violation.

Wanjiru, 27, also holds the Amsterdam Marathon title that he clinched in 2016 and has finished eighth and 11th in the past two London marathons.

He stays suspended until his case has been heard and a final decision reached.

However, Volare Sports Management has defended Wanjiuru indicating that no prohibited substance was found in Wanjiru’s system.

“We acknowledge having received a notice of the charge and provisional suspension regarding an alleged anti-doping rule violation by Wanjiru on Friday,” said the statement from Volare Sports. “The accusation is based on an assumption. As management, we regret this case is happening.”

Volare Sports said the accusation concerns alleged use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method pursuant to Article 2.2 ADR on the basis of alleged abnormal variations in the haematological profile.

“We are already trying to get to the bottom of this in order to find the truth,” explained the statement.

Wanjiru’s last appearance was during the Kenya Police Championships in July last year where he settled for 12th place in 10,000m.