Somali Magazine October 17, 2023-The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) banned Kenyan marathoner Titus Ekiru for ten years on Monday over doping suspicions.
Ekiru is suspected of conspiring with a high-ranking doctor at a Kenyan hospital to tamper with samples in order to obstruct the AIU’s investigation.
Ekiru tested positive for prohibited substances in his in-competition urine samples at the Generali Milano Marathon on May 16, 2021, and the Abu Dhabi Marathon on November 26, 2021, according to AIU.
The ban was issued by AIU Chair David Howman, who said that they are now working with government officials and athletics groups “to uncover doping in Kenyan athletics and expose the networks that may be involved.”
“For athletes involved in doping and the entourage, who assist them, there is one strong message from this case – there is nowhere to hide.”
In addition to the ban, which will last from June 28, 2022 (the date of Ekiru’s temporary suspension) until June 27, 2032, Ekiru’s winning results from May 16, 2021 have been annulled, resulting in the loss of all prizes and money.