Home Kenyan Medallist Suspended Over Doping

Kenyan Medallist Suspended Over Doping

August 8, 2026

Second-placed Kenya's Stephen Ndangiri Kihu reacts after crossing the finish line in the men's 10,000m race walk final during the athletics event at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, on day eight of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 31, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP).

Kenya’s Commonwealth Games 10,000m race walk silver medallist Stephen Ndangiri Kihu has been provisionally suspended for a doping violation, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) said.

Kihu, 20, broke the national 10,000m race walk record when he won silver behind Australia’s Isaac Beacroft at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, with Canada’s Evan Dunfee taking bronze.

ADAK said Kihu tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a banned blood-boosting substance that increases red blood cell production and oxygen delivery to muscles.

The tests were conducted on June 30 while the Kenyan team was training for the July 23-August 2 event.

The provisional suspension took effect on August 5, and he could face a four-year ban if found guilty.

Kenya has provisionally suspended about 21 athletes for doping-related offences in 2026 alone, according to a list published by ADAK.

More than 140 Kenyan athletes, mainly long-distance runners, have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) since 2017 — more than those from any other country.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.