News 24 November 2015

Athletes occupy Athletics Kenya offices

Athletes have occupied the offices of Athletics Kenya for a second day, calling for senior officials to step down over allegations of corruption and complicity in doping. It is understood that the protest was organised by the Professional Athletes’ Association of Kenya (PAAK) and that protesters include former Marathon World Record holder Wilson Kipsang – who heads PAAK – and 2012 Boston Marathon winner turned politician Wesley Korir. The protesters entered Riadha House in Nairobi yesterday, stopping Athletics Kenya officials from entering, and many slept in the offices last night.

It is understood that the athletes chose Monday to launch their protest due to an Athletics Kenya Executive Committee meeting, which was scheduled to reinstall Isaiah Kiplagat as President. Kiplagat (pictured), who has led Athletics Kenya since 1992, has denied accusations that its officials were complicit in hiding doping; and documentary evidence from ARD’s August documentary ‘Doping – Top Secret: The Shadowy World of Athletics’ (available to view below), which suggests that officials siphoned money from a sponsorship contract with Nike.

In a statement provided to The Guardian, PAAK said it was “taking united action to bring sanity to Athletics Kenya management and leadership”. It is understood that Athletics Kenya has been meeting with Kipsang and Korir today. A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon.

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