Anti Doping: “Bastards’ Smuggling Illegal Drugs, Steroids To Kenya Your Days Are Numbered – Wada Boss Warns

_{The Director of Intelligence and Investigations (I&I) for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is Günter Younger (Left) and President Witold Banka during a press conference at Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday evening. PHOTO/ LOPEZ ATIENO}

_{The country has been directed to establish a collision of law enforcers to nab wayward doctors, coaches and custom officials smuggling drugs and other substances that are destroying lives of Kenyan athletes.}

_{By Lopez Atieno}

NAIROBI, Kenya- Criminals smuggling and trafficking illegal steroids and unwanted performance enhancement drugs to destroy lives of Kenyan athletes, kindly be afraid as your days are now numbered.

This was the warning put across by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka as he departed from the country last evening.

Wada officials who had lengthy and separate discussions with athletes, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, the Sports Ministry, the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and President William Ruto during their three days visit to Kenya now wants the country to have a zero tolerance to doping so as to be a perfect model for Africa.

“We want Kenya to establish a collision, composed of the police,  prosecutors, customs and immigration officials, the NIS and the DCI to wage battle against the bastards  who are smuggling illegal steroids.

“They use the drugs to destroy the lives of innocent athletes and their careers,” Banka told Standard Sports at a packed press conference last evening in Nairobi.

Banka said the ‘bastards’ are wayward doctors, coaches, athletics officials, immigration personnel among others who are involved in the drug trafficking and smuggling spree.

“As Wada, we want this work not to start tomorrow, but today. We want the ‘Collision of creating clean sport’ in Kenya to start it’s mandate now, and very aggressively,” Banka emphasised.

The polish boss, who has been on the helm of Wada since January 2020, said he is convinced he is leaving Kenya with a very strong conviction and positive energy that the fight against doping will be much stronger now than before.

“I believe that very soon Kenya will be a great role model to the rest of the continent- on how to effectively fight the doping menace  and win the war against these hardened  criminal elements who ruin athletes lives,” said Banka.

Wada reiterated that it believes Kenya is indeed the ‘Home Of Champions’ as far as athletics is concerned and it is on this premise that they want the country to be a good host in Africa, starting with its integrity at home.

“This is why it is extremely important that a culture of clean sport and running is established here as soon as possible. We want zero tolerance to doping in this beautiful country of great runners,” Banka said.

Wada indicated that meeting with President Ruto has given the global body the confidence that the requests made and discussed with various entities during their visit will be duly fulfilled, especially on the fight against the drug trafficking criminals.

“We want more aggressive approach on them (criminals), those destroying athletes should be brought to book, because they are jeopardiding the reputation not only of athletes but of this great nation,” Banka said.

Banka noted that with the help of law enforcers, countries in Europe have been able to nub over 1.8 billion illegal steroids and performance enhancement drugs in over two decades.

He stated that it is also very possible in Kenya if ADAK is properly funded and made stronger in it’s fight against doping.

On his part, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya who  graced the press conference alongside Banka thanked Wada for the visit  saying it came at the right time when Kenya is gearing up to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

“As government, we have decided that from now henceforth our athletes will win on a level playground. We are out to advocate for clean sport,” Mvurya said.

Mvurya pledged total support to ADAK by the State, to help the national anti doping body performs it’s mandate effectively.

“Kenya is also currently amending it’s legislation policy to resonate and align with Wada’s mandate and framework. We are hopeful that all parties will soon be reading on same script,” Mvurya said.

Wada’s President Witold Banka selected itinerary on his Kenya visit

-Tour of the Nairobi National Park

-Steered workshop/ seminar on Kenya’s anti doping reforms at Kempinski (closed door)

-Met and held discussions with Kenyan athletes

-Met and held discussions with President William Ruto 

-Met and held discussions with Sports C.S Salim Mvurya

-Met and held discussions with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K)

-Held joint press conference with ADAK, Sports Ministry at Kempinski