In August 2022 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Kenyan Athlete Michael Njenga Kunyuga after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance 19-norandrosterone (Nandrolone).
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete responded and filed a statement in his defence.
The Athlete explained with evidence that he suffered from an injury and that he underwent medical treatment in the Nyahururu County Refferal Hospital in Kenya were he received Depomedrol and vitamin B injections. Yet, the AIU determined that this medical treatment could not explain the presence of Nandrolone in his sample.
The Athlete explained in September 2022 with new evidence that as treatment for his injury he had visited the County Referral Hospital in Kenya in April 2022. There he had received a prescribed injection of Nadrolosone.
Regarding these medical treatments the AIU requested assistance from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) with an investigation into the Athlete's explanations and supporting medical documents. However ADAK's investigations revealed that the Athlete had provided false statements and forged/fraudulent documents.
The Iten County Refferral Hospital confirmed that the Athlete had visited the hospital in April 2022. Yet, no prescription had been issued, nor was an injection administered, nor was the medication Nadrolosone in stock.
Moreover the Nyahururu County Referral Hospital reported that it had no record of any medical treatment in January 2022. When interviewed in April 2023 the Athlete maintained that he underwent medical treatment in these two hospitals.
Nevertheless the AIU concluded that the Athlete had failed to explained the alleged medical treatments and, by contrast, had provided false/misleading information. Consequently the AIU reported in August 2023 a second anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete for tampering.
Hereafter the Athlete failed to respond to any of the AIU communications. Without the Athlete's reponse the AIU ultimately deems that he has admitted the violations, waived his right for a hearing and accepted the consequences.
Therefore the AIU decides on 31 October 2023 to impose an 8 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 1 August 2022.
