Kenya athletics manager recalled from Rio over fresh doping claims

Just two days after Kenya was struck off the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) non-compliance list, fresh allegations of doping have emerged.

Kenyan anti-doping agency to investigate new bribery allegations. 🇰🇪 #Kenya #Doping #Athletics #Rio2016 https://t.co/C2yKaLF9MT

— Andrew Duncan (@andrewsduncan1) August 7, 2016

An investigation by British news paper Sunday Times and German television channel ARD has revealed that a manager of the Kenyan Olympic team demanded bribes in order to protect athletes from drug testing authorities.

Major Michael Rotich was secretly filmed apparently demanding £10,000 from athletes in exchange for advance warnings of drug tests.

Rotich is the head of Athletics Kenya’s north rift province, which is home to some of the world’s best runners and a top destination for British and other international runners training at altitude.

The investigation details how Rotich worked with some medical experts to cheat the system.

Reportedly when leaving for Rio Rotich said : “We have counseled, taught and even asked them (athletes) to be cautious about doping. We want to show the world our bid for clean sport.”

Media reports indicate that Rotich was recalled from the Rio games as authorities investigate the fresh allegations.

Kenyan Anti-Doping Agency to investigate allegations against Major Michael Rotich https://t.co/G6CVvgkZmb pic.twitter.com/sfvSACeZIo

— Brits in Kenya (@BritsInKenya) August 7, 2016

Kenya recently headlined the news over doping allegations and this new revelation is expected to cast a shadow on the east African country that has 50 athletes including reserves who are currently in the Rio Olympics.

Reuters