Kenyan Runner Samperu Admits Doping After Initial Resistance, Gets 3-Year Ban
Kenyan athlete Mathew Samperu has been banned for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for testosterone during the Pertamina ECO Runfest in Jakarta on 23 November 2025. His race results from that day have been annulled.
The WADA‑accredited laboratory in Bangkok confirmed the presence of testosterone and its metabolites in Samperu’s sample, consistent with exogenous origin.
The AIU found no Therapeutic Use Exemption and no irregularities in testing procedures.
Samperu initially resisted the charge, claiming that a prescribed injection of methylprednisolone for hip pain days before the race explained the finding.
He insisted he had not knowingly taken any performance‑enhancing substance and requested analysis of his B sample. However, methylprednisolone did not account for the testosterone detected.
Despite his objections, Samperu eventually signed an admission form on 14 February 2026, acknowledging the anti‑doping rule violations and accepting the sanction.
His admission marked a reversal from his earlier stance, closing the case with a three‑year suspension running from 23 January 2026 to 22 January 2029.
