In September 2017 the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Irene Jeptoo Kipchumba after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Prednisolone. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete filed a statement in her defence. She failed herafter to respond to the communications of ADAK and her counsel nor did she attend the hearing of the Judiciary Office of the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
In her submission the Athlete admitted the violation and explained with evidence that on arrival in China she had a leg swelling and had purchased a Chinese medication in a pharmacy which was probably the source of the positive test.
The Panel observes that the Athlete failed to mention her medication on the Doping Control Form and demonstrated a lack of cooperation in this case. In spite of this the Panel deems that she proved on the balance of probability the source of the prohibited substance and that the violation was not intentional.
Therefore the Judiciary Office of the Kenya Sports Disputes Tribunal decides on 28 March 2019 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 22 September 2017.
