Kenyans can prove to the world that they win clean, says CS Wario

What you need to know:

  • Dr Wario also said once Rotich gets back home he would be required to assist investigators with any information that he may have.
  • The Cabinet Secretary was however quick to add that the timing of the allegation was somewhat suspect.
  • Rotich’s ejection from the Kenyan team in Rio follows reports in British paper, Sunday Times, and German broadcaster ARD that he allegedly offered to warn undercover British journalists posing as coaches of impending drugs test in exchange for money.
  • The secret filming is said to have taken place in Iten in January and February this year.

IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Just hours after the revelation of doping allegations against Kenya’s athletics team manager at the Rio Olympics, Major (rtd) Michael Rotich, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario gave a directive for the official to be sent home.

During an interview with the Daily Nation on Sunday at the Olympic Village, Dr Wario also said that once the official gets back home he would be required to assist investigators with any information that he may have.

Early on Sunday, there was uncertainty in the Kenyan camp regarding the fate of Rotich, a situation which Dr Wario moved with speed to clear.

“He (Rotich) was not asked to leave the camp, I said he leaves the camp. It is my directive. I sent him back home and we have already started investigations on issue,” Wario said.

“Our massage is very clear. We want to get to the bottom of this issue which is aimed at denting the image of Kenya in sports and he will be required to help officers on the ground with any information that he may have,” Dr Wario added.

Rotich’s ejection from the Kenyan team in Rio follows reports in British paper, Sunday Times, and German broadcaster ARD that he allegedly offered to warn undercover British journalists posing as coaches of impending drugs test in exchange for money.

TIMING SUSPECT

The secret filming is said to have taken place in Iten in January and February this year.

The Cabinet Secretary was however quick to add that the timing of the allegation was somewhat suspect.

“Our athletes are the most tested in the world and we believe that there are people who don’t want us to compete at the Olympics. We therefore have to draw a line and focus on what Kenya does best, which is winning gold,” he said.

The cabinet minister also allayed fears that the scandal could affect Kenyan athletes psychologically, coming just days before the athletics programme begins at the Olympics.

“We will have to motivate our boys and girls so that we can prove to the world that we win clean and not because of other substances.”

And while Rotich was being put on the next plane home, the third batch of Kenyan athletes, composed of track and field contestants, arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday evening.

Dr Wario led the Kenyan delegation, which was at hand to receive the athletes who will get into the thick of things on Friday when the athletics programme begins.