Nairobi, Kenya – August 8, 2025 : Kenyan half-marathoner Judy Jelagat Kemboi has been provisionally suspended for violating anti-doping rules, becoming the latest Kenyan athlete caught in the growing doping crisis.
Banned Substance Found in Jelagat’s System
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the suspension on Thursday. Jelagat tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a banned substance often used to mask other performance-enhancing drugs. The AIU, which is based in Monaco, oversees doping investigations for World Athletics.
Doctors commonly use hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, to reduce water retention. However, authorities list it as a prohibited substance because it can conceal drug use.
Jelagat, 26, recently won the Guadalajara Half Marathon in Mexico. Earlier this year, she secured third place in the Istanbul Half Marathon and finished second in the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon.
A Pattern of Suspensions
Jelagat’s case is not isolated; she joins over 25 Kenyan athletes who have faced sanctions this year alone. The suspended athletes include national champions, marathon winners, and global medalists.
Her ban follows that of Roncer Kipkorir Konga, Kenya’s 10,000m national champion, who tested positive for Testosterone in July. Morine Michira, the 2024 Milan Half Marathon winner, was also suspended for using Higenamine and Octodrine.
List of Other Kenyan Athletes Sanctioned in 2025
- Ruth Chepng’etich, world marathon record holder — suspended for using Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Sheila Chelangat, two-time national cross-country champion.
- Kibiwott Kandie, silver medalist at the World Half Marathon Championships.
- Ronald Kimeli Kurgat, winner of the 2024 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
- Brimin Kipkorir, 2022/2023 Frankfurt Marathon champion.
In February, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) also suspended Edward Zakayo and Edinah Jebitok, two former junior champions, for separate violations. Each athlete received a two-year ban.
Stakeholders Demand Action
Kenya’s athletics community is sounding the alarm. Stakeholders are pushing for better anti-doping education and stronger enforcement. Many blame a culture of silence and poor oversight for the continued rise in cases.
The global athletics community is now closely watching Kenya. The growing list of suspensions could eventually lead to stricter sanctions against the country by international sports bodies.
Future Uncertain for Jelagat
Jelagat’s career now hangs in the balance. The provisional ban bars her from all competitions pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
Her recent achievements in gold label races will now be scrutinized. If found guilty, she could face a multi-year suspension and the annulment of her results.
