Olympics track official Rotich detained for 28 days over doping

Embattled Team Kenya track and field Olympics manager Michael Rotich, who was recalled from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil over doping allegations, has been detained for 28 days to allow conclusion of investigation.

Major (Rtd) Rotich was detained at the Gigiri Police Station after the prosecution argued that it needed enough time to probe the allegations leveled against him and that if released on bail, he would interfere with witnesses and that he is likely to abscond court proceedings over the seriousness of the allegations facing him.

The prosecution further told the court that investigations are complex in nature and involve a big number of witnesses who are within and outside the country.

The disgraced manager was expelled from Rio 2016 Olympic Games on allegations of asking for bribes to give warnings on doping testing.

Rotich, who is also the Athletics Kenya North Rift Branch boss, was arrested on Tuesday morning at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after landing from Brazil.

On Tuesday, the prosecution had applied for the accused to be detained for seven days.

The defense has, however, opposed the detention saying that the application is frustrating to their client and that the prosecution wants to buy time.

Rotich’s lawyer, Ham Lagat, argued that his client is not in control and will not interfere with the ongoing investigations.

The defense told the court that Rotich’s documents were confiscated and, therefore, is not able to abscond trial.

Magistrate Joyce Ngandani further ruled that Rotich be escorted for medical examinations if need be.

The case will be mentioned on September 12th.