DP William Ruto warns athletes, coaches over doping

RIO DE JANEIRO

Deputy President William Ruto has said the government will deal firmly with anyone engaging in doping.

Mr Ruto said the government will not allow a few individuals who want to use shortcuts, to ruin Kenya's hard-earned reputation in athletics.

He put on notice sports personalities and administrators in the country saying those abetting the practice will face the law.

“All institutions in government from the Executive, Legislature and others have demonstrated that we are committed to clean sports, that is what Kenya is known for and it is not about to change,” said the Deputy President when he arrived in Rio de Janerio, Brazil on Thursday.

Mr Ruto travelled to Brazil to support the Kenyan team at the Olympic Games.

“We now have legislation that gives the Kenya Anti-Doping Agency the mandate, tools and the force of law to ensure that Kenya becomes a doping-free nation.

“All Kenyan athletes have been tested and we have made sure that we have complied with requests and demands from the World Anti-Doping Agency, International Olympic Committee and International Association of Athletics Federations,” he said.

Mr Ruto said the government will protect the reputation of hundreds of athletes who compete fairly.

“We must protect our sports status, ensure the law is followed and anyone falling on the wrong side will be dealt with,” he said.

The Deputy President said he travelled to Rio following the government’s commitment to support the Olympics team.

“We are here in anticipation that Kenya will defend its position as the reigning world champions. The team is upbeat and we expect the first gold medal tomorrow morning that will herald our hunt for medals in this city,” he said.

Mr Ruto will on Friday join Kenyan fans at the Olympic Stadium to watch the 10,000 metres women finals that the country’s first opportunity to win a medal.

Later, Mr Ruto held a roundtable discussion with the Rio Chamber of Commerce where talks centred on Kenya’s interests in agro processing, value addition in dairy and beef farming, renewable energy, mass public transport and light rail systems in major towns.