Cherangany MP to table doping bill in Parliament

Former Boston Marathon Champion, Wesley Korir, is spearheading the national assembly’s plans to arrest the rising cases of doping by Kenyan athletes.

The Cherangany Member of Parliament has tabled a bill in parliament that will stipulate punitive measures on athletes found guilty of using performance enhancing substances.

According to the athlete-turned-politician, the bill, that is in its infant stages, seeks to address the doping issue that is fast tarnishing the country’s good image.

Korir, who won Boston Marathon in 2012, a year before taking up politics, says when passed into law the bill will spell out the legal implications on athletes, managers and coaches who administer banned substances.

“This is a very important bill and as soon as it is become law, legal and other disciplinary measures will be enforced on doping cases,” Korir said in Cherangany Friday.

“In future, coaches, managers and athletes found guilty of doping will face the law.”

BE WARY
This comes at a time when the world’s attention is on Kenya after two-time Boston and Chicago Marathons champion Rita Jeptoo tested positive to a banned substance last month.

At the time, Jeptoo was in line to win the 2013/2014 World Marathon Majors jackpot.

According to Korir, Kenya has build its name and enjoys unmatched status in global athletics but doping cases, if not taken care of, will strip the country of its honours.

“It took the efforts of selfless and determined Kenyan men and women to put the country in the world map but this doping issue can take way the country’s positive image,” Korir said.

The legislator was speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of a sports academy in Sowerwo, Trans Nzoia County.

Korir appealed to Athletics Kenya (AK), the government and all stake holders to come out and support the bill which is expected to be tabled before Parliament adjourns for Christmas break.

CONSEQUENCES

The MP asked the government not to wish away the issue, adding that international athletics monitors were silently watching and consequences may result in Kenyans being banned from participating in international events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.

The legislator disclosed that anti-doping agencies are investigating a number of coaches and managers in Eldoret and Iten who are suspected to be administering banned substances to athletes.

Korir further urged the troubled Athletics Kenya to put its house in order or risk losing control of running athletics in the country.