2016 Chester Half Marathon winner Mark Kangogo has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for allegedly engaging in doping malpractices.
The AIU stated that Kangogo was temporarily suspended for using a performance-enhancing substance.
"The AIU has provisionally suspended Mark Kangogo of Kenya for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (Norandrosterone & Triamcinolone acetonide) (Article 2.1 and Article 2.2)," read a statement from AIU.
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According to the integrity body, Kangogo is not yet guilty until it is proved that he used the substance.
"In doping cases, a provisional suspension is mandatory under the World Athletics Anti-Doping rules following an adverse analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the prohibited list.
"A provisional suspension imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence and it is not an early determination of guilt.
“Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport," read part of the statement from AIU.
In July 2021, short distance runner Mark Otieno Odhiambo was also suspended for purportedly using Methasterone, a substance which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Odhiambo’s case was referred to the dispute tribunal and the case is yet to be determined.
Should Kangogo and Odhiambo be slapped with a ban, they will join a long list of Kenyan runners including Lilian Kasait and Philimon Lokedi who are already serving their bans.
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