By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenyan marathoner Titus Ekiru on Monday was banned for 10 years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) over doping allegations.
Ekiru is accused of colluding with a high-ranking doctor at a Kenyan hospital who helped the 31-year-old marathoner tamper with samples to obstruct the AIU’s probe.
AIU stated that Ekiru tested positive for prohibited substances in his in-competition urine samples at the Generali Milano Marathon on May 16, 2021, and the Abu Dhabi Marathon on Nov. 26, 2021, both of which he won.
AIU Chair David Howman announced the ban, adding that they are now working with government officials and athletics bodies “to uncover doping in Kenyan athletics and expose the networks that may be involved.”
“For athletes involved in doping and the entourage, who assist them, there is one strong message from this case – there is nowhere to hide.”
In addition to the ban – which runs from June 28, 2022 (the date of Ekiru’s provisional suspension) until June 27, 2032 – Ekiru’s winning results since May 16, 2021, have been nullified, resulting in the forfeiture of all prizes and money.