NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 9 – Recalled Kenya athletics team manager for the Rio Olympics Games, Major (Rtd) Michael Rotich was arraigned in a Nairobi court on Tuesday after being expelled from the Summer Games over allegations he demanded money to give warnings about doping tests.
Rotich, who appeared before Nairobi Milimani’s Court was arrested on Tuesday morning at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after arriving from Brazil and will be detained at Gigiri Police Station as investigations continue.
The prosecutor said they require a period of seven days to conclude investigations where they are set to travel to Iten, Eldoret, Kapsabet and Kitale to record witness statements and further contact witnesses who are abroad.
Rotich was filmed by the German television channel ARD and the Sunday Times newspaper demanding Sh1.3mn (£10,000) for agreeing to warn a British coach about imminent doping tests.
Rotich introduced reporters purporting to be the coach and an agent of athletes to Paul and Liz Scott, who are official anti-doping testers in Kenya.
The Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) confirmed on Monday they would open legal proceedings against Rotich on the case that is a potential new blow to Kenya’s sporting reputation after doping accusations in recent months ahead of the Olympics athletics programme on Friday.
Athletics Kenya also came out clear on the deportation of Rotich, saying they will issue a statement after concluding their investigations.
“We appointed the technical officials including Major Rotich who has reportedly been sent home over doping allegations. However, we cannot comment on this issue until we independently ascertain what has been going on including giving Major Rotich a fair hearing.
“But as far as we are concerned Major Rotich was not acting on behalf of Athletics Kenya neither were Kenyan athletes including those in Rio and at home involved in this matter.”
Over 40 Kenyan athletes have failed dope tests with the latest bombshell coming three days after the World Anti-Doping Agency announced that they will struck Kenya off its non-compliant list.