Government pledges ruthless fight against merchants of harmful drugs in athletics
By Lucy Mumbi |
The Deputy President further highlighted the role of sports in fostering national unity and praised athletes for their contributions to the country's success.
The government has vowed to decisively deal with doping, drug abuse, and gender-based violence in athletics, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki promising strong measures to address these growing concerns.
Athletics, a sport where Kenya has enjoyed immense success, has recently been marred by a series of doping scandals.
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With growing concerns over the rising number of cases, the Deputy President has pledged to take swift action to protect the integrity of the sport.
He emphasised that doping and the individuals who enable it pose the biggest threat to Kenya’s success in athletics. He condemned those selling performance-enhancing drugs to athletes, stating that they are undermining the integrity of the sport.
"Doping is the greatest risk and enemy to our athletes and prowess in sports. We encourage our sportspeople to dedicate themselves to training and compete clean. The government will be ruthless in the fight against merchants of harmful drugs that could destroy the future of our youth in the sports industry," Kindiki said during the second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run.
GBV in athletics
He also took a strong stance against gender-based violence (GBV) within athletics, equating the perpetrators to terrorists.
"There is no difference between those killing our athletes and terrorists or other dangerous individuals,” he said.
The DP also expressed his appreciation for the organisers of the Chepsaita Cross Country competition, noting that its theme, which promotes education, was timely.
"Every person, irrespective of their profession or talent, requires education to thrive. The theme of this year’s Chepsaita Cross Country, ‘Run for Education’, is apt. Education is the greatest equaliser of all humanity, and an educated youth is destined for success and greatness," he said.
The Deputy President further highlighted the role of sports in fostering national unity and praised athletes for their contributions to the country's success.
Glory and honour to Kenya
"We thank all our athletes and sportsmen and women for bringing glory and honour to our country. Sports is an instrument for hastening our national unity, and effective talent management and strategic support for our athletes will ensure that successive generations continue to raise the Kenyan flag higher," he said.
The event, which saw more than 10,000 participants from across all ages, has gained recognition from the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), further cementing its importance in the athletics calendar.
Youth and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was also in attendance, echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, acknowledging the significant challenge posed by GBV and sexual abuse in sports.
He revealed that the government has put together a team to address the issue.
"We have a serious problem that must be confronted. GBV must be condemned, and we must expose the predators pretending to be coaches or even spouses of athletes,” Murkomen said.
Chepsaita Cross Country patron Farouk Kibet also announced plans to build housing facilities at Chepsaita to support athletes training in the area.
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