Chepngetich tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide on March 14, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit. The news has shaken the athletics community, threatening a career that includes the 2019 world marathon title in Doha and a record-breaking run in Chicago last October, where she became the first woman to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, clocking 2:09:56.

Her case has cast a shadow over Kenya’s preparations for the World Championships set to take place in Tokyo from 13 to 25 September. Few athletes or officials have openly addressed the matter, raising further suspicion.

“This has increased suspicions that it is still a big issue,” said one athlete, who chose to remain anonymous.

Kenya has invested heavily to clean up its image following a string of doping scandals around the 2016 Rio Olympics. The country was previously declared non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Since 2017, nearly 130 Kenyan athlete smostly long-distance runners have been sanctioned for drug-related offences. 

In response, Kenya launched a five-year, $25 million programme to combat doping. The crackdown led to the country’s first-ever lifetime ban in June 2024 for marathon runner Beatrice Toroitich, while 10km record-holder Rhonex Kipruto received a six-year suspension.

Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide are prohibited substances as they can be used to quickly lose weight or mask the presence of performance-enhancing drugs.

--Reuters/ChannelAfrica--