Athletics Kenya CEO Isaac Mwangi Dismisses Bribery Claims Made By Athletes

The head of the Kenyan athletics federation has "dismissed claims" by two banned athletes that he asked for money to reduce their doping suspensions, describing the allegation as a "fabrication," according to Drazen Jorgic of REUTERS. Joy Sakari and Francisca Koki Manunga said that federation CEO Isaac Mwangi asked each athlete for $24,000 to "reduce the four-year bans they were given after testing positive for a banned substance during last year's world championships in Beijing." Mwangi, who was appointed CEO in '13, "has denied that any conversation took place regarding any sort of payment." He said, "It's just a fabrication because according to the rules, if you are caught doping, the sanction is very standard." The World Anti-Doping Agency said it was "extremely troubled" by the reports. WADA General Dir David Howman said, "WADA is most disturbed by these reports regarding extortion and bribery at the national level of sport" (REUTERS, 2/11).