Blow to Kenya as Commonwealth Silver Medallist Stephen Kihu Suspended

Commonwealth Games silver medallist and race walker Stephen Ndangiri Kihu has been provisionally suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), just days after delivering a breakthrough performance for Kenya on the global stage.

The suspension took effect on August 5, 2026, after an out-of-competition test conducted ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

As a result, Stephen Ndangiri Kihu will not take part in any competitions while the anti-doping process continues.

ADAK confirmed that the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) under category S2 of the World Anti-Doping Code, which covers peptide hormones and related prohibited substances.

“Presence of Prohibited substance S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics/erythropoietin (EPO),” ADAK stated in the entry listing Ndangiri among athletes provisionally suspended for anti-doping rule violations.

Stephen Ndangiri Kihu Case Raises Scrutiny

Meanwhile, officials collected the sample on June 30 during an out-of-competition test at Team Kenya’s residential training camp at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where athletes were preparing for the games.

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Notably, Stephen Ndangiri Kihu is the only athlete listed for provisional suspension by ADAK this month, highlighting continued concerns over doping cases in Kenyan athletics.

At the same time, both ADAK and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) have intensified enforcement of anti-doping rules.

Consequently, athletes found guilty of violations have faced strict penalties, with some bans extending beyond the standard suspension period.

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Kihu’s Silver Medal Performance

Earlier, Stephen Ndangiri Kihu had made headlines at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he clinched silver in the men’s 10,000m race walk on July 31.

He clocked 38:46.57 to set a new national record, finishing narrowly behind Australia’s Isaac Beacroft, who secured gold with a time of 38:45.51.

However, Kihu still has the right to challenge the findings and appeal through the established anti-doping procedures. Therefore, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process.

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A photo collage of Stephen Ndangiri Kihu at the
men’s 10km race walk at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 31, 2026. PHOTO/ File