Kenya’s long-standing reputation as the land of world-beating runners is under serious threat as doping cases continue to rise, a lawyer from Kericho has warned.
Bernhard Ngetich expressed concern that the surge in doping scandals risks erasing decades of athletic excellence and damaging the country’s global image.
His remarks follow the three-year ban imposed on women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for breaching anti-doping regulations.
Speaking at Kenegut in Kapsoit Ward, Ainamoi Sub-county, Ngetich described doping as “the single biggest threat to Kenya’s athletics heritage.”
“Our runners have built their reputation through hard work and sacrifice. Taking shortcuts through banned substances is immoral and illegal — it destroys what our legends stood for,” he said.
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Heb urged the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and AIU to strengthen education programs targeting young and upcoming athletes across Rift Valley training camps.
The Nakuru-based lawyer also called on both national and county governments to focus on preventive awareness rather than punishment after violations occur.
“We must take the fight against doping to the grassroots. Clean sport is the only path to true greatness,” he added.
By our reporter
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