ADAK Speaks Out After Edward Zakayo Makes Shocking Doping Case Allegations

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya has responded to Edward Zakayo’s claims regarding the handling of his anti-doping case after he was banned for two years after he failed to file his whereabouts and missing multiple doping tests.

The agency's response comes after Edward Zakayo’s widely circulated social media post, ‘Why I Left Athletics,’ in which he alleged ‘tricks, manipulation, and betrayal’ by ADAK, Athletics Kenya (AK), and his own manager.

In the post, the former world under-20 champion confirmed his departure from professional athletics. However, his attempts to rebuild his life were allegedly hampered by continued pressure from ADAK.

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Edward Zakayo claims the agency repeatedly sent "strangers, sometimes in government vehicles, to my home, intimidating my family as though I had committed a serious crime."

In response to Edward Zakayo’s case, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya has stated that his allegations misrepresent the facts.

ADAK categorically denied the allegations and emphasised that all its Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) cases strictly comply with the Anti-Doping Act (2016), ADAK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Code, and the International Standards for Results Management (ISRM).

ADAK stated that every athlete is informed of their right to legal representation of their choice, and the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT), which operates independently of ADAK, facilitates access to independent pro bono counsel for athletes lacking resources.

ADAK confirmed that virtual online hearings are internationally accepted and adopted to ensure accessibility and timeliness, especially for athletes residing outside Nairobi.

“ADAK denies any form of harassment, intimidation, or unauthorised visits to any athlete’s home or premises. All interactions with athletes are official, documented, and guided by the Anti-Doping Act (2016), the ADAK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Code, and international standards,” ADAK said in a statement.

“If anyone claims to act on ADAK’s behalf outside formal communication channels, the Agency urges immediate reporting for investigation.”

ADAK firmly refuted the suggestion that it collaborates with other entities to manipulate or unfairly target an athlete, noting it operates independently from AK, athlete management agencies, or commercial sponsors.

ADAK highlighted that the case concerning Edward Zakayo Pingua was heard and determined by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT).

The tribunal's decision, issued on May 8, 2025, confirmed that the athlete had committed two Missed Tests (on February 3, 2024, and April 3, 2024) plus one Filing Failure.

While the SDT noted that Edward Zakayo offered explanations regarding the loss of a mobile phone, which limited his access to ADAMS (Anti-Doping Administration and Management System), it ultimately held that these explanations "do not negate the failures.

ADAK reiterated the principle of strict liability, noting that maintaining accurate whereabouts information remains the athlete's responsibility.

The agency also stated that the athlete received formal notice, was provisionally suspended, responded in writing, and the matter was heard by the SDT, resulting in a reasoned written decision with a right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

ADAK acknowledged the mental and emotional challenges athletes face during disciplinary processes but maintained that emotional distress cannot replace the requirement for adherence to testing procedures and due process under the law.