AK urged to amend laws to suit runners

Former 3,000 metres steeplechase record holder Moses Kiptanui wants the Athletics Kenya (AK) constitution to be amended so that it can tackle the current challenges that athletes are facing. 

“We need to include a clause on sexual harassment to help deal with the vice,” said Kiptanui. 

He spoke Wednesday when the third cluster of Athletics Kenya National Consultative Forum came to an end in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. At least 400 athletes took part.

The death of former World Cross Country Championships winner Agnes Tirop dominated the meeting.

She was found dead in her house in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County on October 13, and her estranged lover, Ibrahim Rotich, who is in police custody, is a suspect in the case. 

AK is holding the consultative meetings across the country to listen to athletes’ grievances following Tirop’s murder.

Former world under-20 5,000m champion Edward Zakayo urged the government to intervene so that Kamariny Stadium in Iten is complete because athletes have no where to train.

Joan Chelimo, a marathoner, said that athletes have been going through a lot of challenges and some have ended up depressed.

AK senior vice president in charge of competitions Paul Mutwii said that the federation is happy that athletes are opening up.

He said this will help them better the sport and make sure athletes’ welfare are taken good care of moving forward.