Kenya’s Track and Field Manager Arrested After Doping Sting

Kenyan authorities have arrested the country’s track and field manager, Michael Rotich, following his apparent solicitation of a bribe.

The Sunday Times of London ran an investigative sting in which they had a reporter pose as coach looking to give athletes a heads-up on drug tests. Rotich claimed to be able to provide warning of when the tests would occur, and offered to sell the information to the reporter.

Rotich has been ordered home from Brazil, and may be detained, if prosecutors have their way. They believe Rotich could interfere with the investigation if free.

The Star, a Kenyan newspaper, is reporting that Kenyan officials are dubious of the motives of The Sunday Times. One official, Hassan Wario, told The Star that he questioned the veracity of The Times‘ report.

“We take exception to the frivolous leveling of unsubstantiated allegations against our athletes or sports teams,” Wario said.

But that didn’t stop authorities from acting on the Times‘ report and arresting Rotich. In all, Kenyan athletes have been involved in more than 40 doping cases in the past four years.

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