Doping Scourge Threatens Kenya’s Athletic Legacy, Warns Kericho Lawyer Bernhard Ngetich

The growing menace of doping continues to cast a dark shadow over Kenya’s athletics, threatening to erode decades of global dominance and the hard-earned reputation of the nation’s sporting heroes.

Kericho-based lawyer Bernhard Ngetich has joined the chorus of concerned voices calling for urgent and decisive action to curb the vice, which has seen a rising number of Kenyan athletes face international bans.

His remarks come just two days after women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich was handed a three-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for violating anti-doping rules.

Speaking in Kericho after attending a local athletics meet at Kenegut, Kapsoit Ward in Ainamoi Sub-county, Ngetich lamented that doping not only destroys careers but also tarnishes the image of a nation globally celebrated for producing clean, disciplined, and resilient champions.

“Doping is the single biggest threat to Kenya’s athletics heritage,” he said.

“Our runners have built this reputation through sheer hard work and sacrifice. Taking shortcuts through banned substances is both immoral and illegal — and it undermines everything our legends stood for.”

Ngetich urged the AIU and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to intensify education campaigns, particularly targeting young and upcoming athletes in training camps across the Rift Valley.

He noted that many athletes fall prey to unethical agents and often lack adequate awareness of what constitutes prohibited substances.

The lawyer further called on both national and county governments to invest in preventive education rather than focusing solely on punishing offenders.

“We must take the fight against doping to the grassroots. Every athletics camp in Kericho, Nandi, and Iten should have regular sensitization forums. Clean sport is the only path to true greatness,” Ngetich added.

He also appealed to sports managers, coaches, and sponsors to take moral responsibility and guide athletes on ethical conduct, saying the fight against doping requires a united front.

Kericho County — famously known as the home of champions — has produced legendary figures such as the late Wilson Kiprugut Chumo, Kenya’s first Olympic medalist.

Ngetich said the county must guard this proud legacy by nurturing a new generation of clean athletes who will carry Kenya’s flag with integrity.

“Our dream is to see our athletes win clean, with pride and honour. Doping has no place in Kenya’s future,” he concluded.