Top Kenyan runners hit back after federation suspends management

Kenyan star distance runners from the Rosa Associati and Volare Sports stables have reacted angrily to the national federation's move to suspend their managers for six months to allow investigations into doping allegations levelled against their camps.

The top athletes, led by former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang, on Tuesday termed the move as a politically instigated and malicious scheme on part of the federation, reports Xinhua.

They further tore into Athletics Kenya's (AK) plans of seeking temporary managers for them, saying it contravenes International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) rules on representation.

"The suspension of Rosa and Volare Sports, accusing them of doping, has caused unrest both locally and internationally. The act is unprofessional and it has to be proved that the mentioned firms are truly involved," Kipsang, two-time London and New York Marathon winner, said.

"It has also put the image of Kenya in bad light ahead of major global events starting from World Relays, Diamond League series and major marathons in the world."

Beijing Olympics champion and two-time World 1500m title holder Asbel Kiprop, who was holding brief for Italian-based Rosa group, faulted the federation for punishing the whole group by issuing the blanket suspension that sees both management firms unable to conduct business.

"Doping is an individual case and we never want all of us to be sucked into it," said Kiprop.