The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan athlete Norbert Kigen for the use of a prohibited substance— testosterone.
In a post issued on Monday, the global body communicated that Kigen's suspension came into force on February 27 with a notice of allegation already issued.
AIU further communicated that another Kenyan athlete Agnes Mueni Mutua has also been suspended over the same reasons with a notice of allegation already issued as well.
Based on AIU’s regulations, the suspensions will bar the athletes from participating in any athletics competition until a final decision on the allegations is made.
“A Provisional Suspension is when an Athlete or other Person is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in Athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct,” explained AIU.
Besides the two, AIU has also provisionally suspended several other Kenyan athletes over the course of the past year over various reasons.
The athletes in question include; Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui (Whereabouts Failure), Jackline Wambui (use of a prohibited substance),Sarah Chepchirchir (use of a prohibited substance) and Beatrice Toroitich (use of a prohibited substance) .
Salina Jebet, Purity Komen, Rodgers Kwemoi, Rhonex Kipruto, Nicholas Mboroto Kosimbei, Ibrahim Mukunga Wachira, Purity Changwony and Lawrence Cherono are also facing suspension over the same reasons.
However, the suspension stage and the date issued varies for each athlete with some having received notices of the allegations and other cases being referred to higher authorities for further investigations.
The AIU has also clarified the reasons for the suspensions stating that “In doping cases, a Provisional Suspension is mandatory under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules following an adverse analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the Prohibited List.”
According to previous reports from AIU, Sarah Chipchirchir is facing a second time ban over doping after having been banned again in 2019 after competing in the Tokyo Marathon.
Additionally, another athlete previously banned from racing is Michael Njenga, a marathoner who was banned for 8 years after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
The suspensions Kenya shined, clinching the first three positions in the Tokyo Marathon, on Sunday. Benson Kipruto finished in first position, setting a personal best time.
