The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned Kenyan athlete Emmanuel Kipchumba Kemboi for two years after finding him guilty of using banned substances. AIU has also stripped him of all his performances since October last year.
Through a statement, AIU revealed that Kemboi was banned for two years for using triamcinolone acetonide – a potent synthetic corticosteroid used to treat a variety of skin conditions, inflammatory diseases, and allergic reactions – despite winning a marathon race just over two months ago.
“The AIU has banned Emmanuel Kipchumba Kemboi (Kenya) for 2 years from April 7, 2025, for the presence/use of a prohibited substance (triamcinolone acetonide),” the AIU stated.
Kemboi’s ban came about after a urine sample submitted after the Lisbon Marathon in 2024 found an adverse analytical finding in the sample based on the presence of triamcinolone acetonide.
Triamcinolone acetonide is a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2024 prohibited list under the category S9 Glucocorticoids. It is a specified substance prohibited in competition when administered by any injectable, oral (including oromucosal), or rectal route.
The effect of Kemboi’s ban is the disqualification of his results on and since October 6, 2024, with all resulting consequences, including the forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, points, prizes, and appearance money.
The latest comes after Kemboi triumphed in the fourth edition of the Riyadh Marathon, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, February 8, beating his closest challenger, an Ethiopian, by three seconds.
AIU noted that Kemboi accepted the consequences for his Anti-Doping Rule Violations and expressly waived his right to have those consequences determined by the Disciplinary Tribunal at a hearing.
Kemboi’s ban follows compatriot Brimin Kipkorir’s four-year ban following positive tests for banned substances erythropoietin and furosemide.
Kipkorir's woes began on November 22, when he provided a urine sample for a routine test while in Kenya. Three weeks later, the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, revealed the analysis of the sample showed the presence of furosemide, a prohibited substance.
Furosemide is primarily used as a diuretic (water pill) to help a failing kidney perform some key functions like eliminating excess fluid and salt by increasing urine production. However, in some cases, athletes have been reported to use furosemide as a quick fix for weight loss.
A further analysis of the sample in February 2025 revealed the presence of another substance, erythropoietin, which is typically used to treat kidney disease. Like furosemide, athletes also abuse this drug because it helps increase the supply of oxygen to the red blood cells, thus boosting performance.
The banning of the two athletes within a month highlights a rising worry of Kenyan athletes and a penchant for using banned substances despite warnings from WADA and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
