Kenyan stars Were and Jeptoo among 27 provisionally suspended for doping violations as ADAK tightens enforcement

The suspensions cover a range of violations, primarily whereabouts failures (missing required out-of-competition tests), presence of prohibited substances, and other anti-doping rule breaches across athletics, basketball, volleyball, and football.

Wiseman Were, 28, the current national 400m hurdles champion, Commonwealth 4x400m relay bronze medalist, and 2025 Kip Keino Classic winner (personal best 48.34s), was suspended for missing three tests since August 2025.

His provisional ban began February 12 or 14, 2026 (reports vary slightly), barring him from competition pending a hearing.

Rita Jeptoo, 45, a former Boston and Chicago Marathon champion whose 2014 titles were stripped after testing positive for EPO (leading to a four-year ban from 2014), faces a new provisional suspension dated December 16, 2025, for the presence of prohibited anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). She returned to racing around three years ago but now awaits a hearing outcome.

These cases contribute to Kenya’s high tally of over 140 athletes (predominantly long-distance runners) sanctioned by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) since 2017—more than any other nation.

In a positive step, WADA has removed the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) from its compliance watchlist.

The decision, confirmed around late February/early March 2026 during a joint ADAK-Sports Journalists Association workshop in Mombasa, follows Kenya’s placement on the list in late October 2025 after a 2024 audit flagged gaps in governance, testing, whereabouts management, and resources.

ADAK Board Chairman Major (Rtd) Aphaxard Muthuri stated: “I am pleased to officially announce that the compliance procedure concerning Kenya has now been formally closed by WADA. This decision affirms that Kenya’s National Anti-Doping Organisation is fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and the applicable International Standards.”

The removal reflects successful reforms, increased stakeholder collaboration, and fulfillment of corrective requirements—enhancing Kenya’s global credibility even as domestic enforcement uncovers ongoing issues.

Provisional suspensions prevent athletes from competing until independent hearings determine final sanctions.

The dual developments underscore Kenya’s continued efforts to strengthen its anti-doping framework while addressing persistent challenges in elite sport.