The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has come out to refute claims of frustrating promising athlete Edward Zakayo Pingua into retirement.
In a statement to media on Tuesday, October 7, ADAK dismissed Zakayo's allegations of unfair handling of the case after the body suspended him for three "whereabouts failures" within a 12-month period.
“ADAK denies any form of intimidation or harassment,” the agency said in a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Peninah Wahome.
“If anyone claims to act on ADAK’s behalf outside formal communication channels, we urge immediate reporting for investigation.”
Zakayo, a former world under-20 5000m champion, announced his retirement from the track in two emotional posts titled “Why I Left Athletics” and “My Truth”, which have since gone viral. in the posts, he detailed the circumstances which led to his exit from professional athletics.
The young athlete claimed that disciplinary proceedings against him were unfair, adding that he was repeatedly summoned to Nairobi only to attend virtual hearings.
Zakayo further claimed that the lawyer involved in his case was not of his choosing, as he noted that financial constraints also prevented him from attending some of the scheduled sessions.
But, in a rejoinder, ADAK dismissed Zakayo's allegations, clarifying that the athlete's case was handled in accordance with the law and due process under the jurisdiction of the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
"All Anti-Doping Rule Violations cases handled by ADAK strictly comply with the Anti-Doping Act (2016), the ADAK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Code, and International Standards for Results Management (ISRM)," ADAK said in a statement.
ADAK confirmed that the Tribunal considered the athlete's explanation after Zakayo claimed to have lost his phone. However, the anti-doping body also reiterated that accurate whereabouts is the sole responsibility of the athlete under the World Anti-Doping Code.
“We understand the emotional strain that accompanies disciplinary proceedings. However, emotional distress cannot replace adherence to rules," the statement went on.
Zakayo is a former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and was once considered one of Kenya's brightest young athletics talents.
His decision to retire inevitably shone a spotlight on ADAK, which has been under pressure to comply with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ethics code or face a ban.
On Thursday, October 2, President William Ruto directed a comprehensive reorganisation of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) amid warnings from WADA over alleged non-compliance following a damning audit conducted in May 2024.
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