Outgoing Athletics Kenya president Isaiah Kiplagat at a past event. IAAF has suspended AK's Isaiah Kiplagat, David Okeyo and...
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Ethics Commission has suspended three Athletics Kenya officials for their alleged involvement in graft and subversion of the anti-doping control in Kenya.
The commission indicated that a prima facie case has been established against outgoing AK President Isaiah Kiplagat, Vice President David Okeyo and former AK Treasurer Joseph Kinyua.
Consequently, the officials have been suspended for six months (180 days) to allow investigations into the allegations.
Michael Beloff, IAAF chairman, said in a statement that the move has been taken to safeguard the interests and integrity of the sport.
SHARAD RAO TO HEAD INVESTIGATIONS
According to Mr Beloff's statement, the investigations will be spearheaded by Mr Sharad Rao who currently serves as the chairman of the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board. Mr Rao is also a former Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya.
The statement released by Tom Mountford, the legal secretary to IAAF EthicsCommission said in part: “The Chairman of the IAAF Ethics Commission, Michael Beloff QC, has today, pursuant to powers first conferred upon the Chairman by the IAAF Council on 26th November 2015, provisionally suspended from all offices or positions in either Athletics Kenya or the IAAF (1) Isaiah Kiplagat, President of Athletics Kenya; (2) David Okeyo, Vice-President of Athletics Kenya and IAAF Council Member; and (3) Joseph Kinyua, former Treasurer of Athletics Kenya and Kenya Team Leader at the IAAF 2015 World Championships, in the interests of the integrity of the sport.”
EMBEZZLEMENT CLAIMS AND ILLEGAL GIFTS
The three officials will be provisionally suspended from holding any office or position in either Athletics Kenya or the IAAF.
The officials will be investigated for alleged subversion of anti-doping controlprocess in Kenya and embezzlement "improper diversion of Athletics Kenya of funds received from Nike."
The statement also cited additional allegations against Mr Kiplagat noting that: “A prima facie case has also been found to exist in respect of Mr Kiplagat in relation to receipt, personally or by Athletics Kenya, of an apparent gift of two motor vehicles from the Qatar Association of Athletics Federation in the period 2014-2015.”
Kiplagat and AK are alleged to have received two Land Cruisers from Qatar Athletics Federation so as to vote in favour of Doha in hosting the 2019 World Championships. The city eventually won the bid.
Mr Kiplagat, who has opted to retire as AK President in August, was defeated in his quest to become one of the IAAF vice presidents and council member during the elections held in July in Beijing.
On the other hand, Mr Okeyo is a member of the IAAF Council, the IAAF Cross Country Commission and the Confederation of Africa Athletics vice president while Mr Kinyua is currently the AK Eastern Branch chairman, having lost his position as AK treasurer two years ago.
NIKE DEAL
Kiplagat, Okeyo and Kinyua are alleged to have syphoned off funds amounting over Ksh70 million from sponsorship deal between Athletics Kenya and multinational sportswear giant Nike stretching back to 2010.
The three officials were questioned in April this year over the issues by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations but have since denied any wrongdoing.
DOPING DOCUMENTARY
Kenya police already questioned a whistle-blower who claimed that some AK officials were taking race winnings from competitors in return for covering up their doping.
Paul Simbolei, an athletics coach for Kipsero Training Club, based in Iten, said he was contacted by police following claims he made on a documentary by the German broadcaster ARD/WDR.
In an interview with detectives, he alleged corrupt officials had been targeting athletes who had produced positive drug test results after being tested at home or abroad.
Simbolei claimed demands were then made to the athlete, or the athlete’s coach, to agree to hand over a cut of future race winnings.
In return, the athletes avoided suspension, or a prospective ban was delayed so they could continue to compete in the hope of winning more money.
- Nation.co.ke
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