Suspect on the run after administering doping substances to athletes in Eldoret
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 17.04.25. | 21:10
It was in Iten that authorities first arrested him following a tip-off, finding him treating athletes with substances later confirmed to be prohibited
A pharmacist suspected of administering performance-enhancing substances to athletes in the Rift Valley region is on the run after escaping a multi-agency operation in Eldoret.
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James Cheruiyot Kipsanai, who has been under investigation by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) since January 2024, managed to evade arrest by fleeing through the ceiling of his pharmacy in Kapsoya.
According to ADAK Senior Compliance Officer, Dennis Keitany, Kipsanai previously operated a pharmacy in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, before opening another under the same name, Kerich Pharmacy, in Kapsoya.
It was in Iten that authorities first arrested him following a tip-off, finding him treating athletes with substances later confirmed to be prohibited.
Among the illegal drugs recovered were vials of erythropoietin (EPO) and triamcinolone acetonide, both of which are listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as banned substances.
EPO boosts red blood cell production, enhancing endurance, while triamcinolone aids weight loss without sacrificing power, a dangerous combination in high-performance sports.
Keitany said the investigation was initially stalled due to a lack of concrete evidence, and Kipsanai was released on bond.
“The case became complicated with no concrete evidence to pin the suspect, who was released on a police bond as we continued to build the case,” he told Nation Sport.
However, on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved charges against Kipsanai, including administering prohibited substances to an athlete, unlawful possession of banned substances, operating an unlicensed health facility, practicing medicine without registration, and failure to document restricted drugs such as Sustanon.
He was expected to appear in court in Iten but failed to show up. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Wednesday, 15 January.
Another operation aimed at arresting him after informants led the multi-agency team to his new premises in Kapsoya.
“The multi-agency team was forced to gain entry into the building, but the suspect managed to escape through the ceiling,” said Keitany, adding that officers recovered more vials of banned substances during the raid.
Chief Inspector Philip Langat confirmed that Kipsanai now faces fresh charges, with investigations showing a pattern of similar activities in different counties. “We already have a court case in Elgeyo Marakwet, and now this one in Uasin Gishu,” Langat said.
Langat urged members of the public to share any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest, emphasising that community cooperation is crucial in the ongoing fight against doping and the misuse of pharmaceutical products.
Kipsanai’s alleged involvement in doping cases threatens the integrity of athletics in Kenya, which has faced increased global scrutiny over anti-doping compliance.
Authorities are now under pressure to close in on the fugitive pharmacist and dismantle any networks that enable the illegal doping of athletes.
Anyone with information on Kipsanai's whereabouts is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or contact ADAK directly.
