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{
    "id": 1484781,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1484781/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 43,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Uasin Gishu County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Gladys Boss",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I must, however, express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the baseless allegations that were made by a journalist from letsrun.com namely Mr. Robert Johnson, during the post-race press conference. The journalist's reckless insinuation suggested that Ruth Chepng’etich's world record time of 2:09:56 is too good to be true. He linked it to doping without evidence and is, therefore, both unprofessional and disrespectful. Ruth Chepng’etich is a highly decorated runner having previously won several marathons, including the Chicago Marathon in 2021 and in 2022, and is a former world champion having won the 2019 World Championships in Doha. The blanket accusations against Kenyan athletes, particularly in light of Kenya's long- standing reputation as a world leader in marathons are not only unfair, but deeply harmful and, therefore, stereotyping Kenya as a nation that is plagued by doping. This discredits the immense talent, commitment and sacrifice of the athletes. Such unfounded allegations have the potential of unjustly tarnishing their hard-working achievements and creating an atmosphere of mistrust. I urge the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage, Athletics Kenya and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to stand up for our athletes and demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from Mr. Robert Johnson and others who have shamed our athletes by propagating false narratives that undermine the integrity of our athletics and our nation. Athletics Kenya and ADAK should also develop sensitisation programmes for athletes so that they are well-versed on matters of doping and publicity management, so that they can deal with those difficult questions when they are raised to them. I know that were it an American athlete, that question would not have been posed. Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity in sports. We shall continue to collaborate with international bodies to ensure that sports remain fair and clean for all. I would like to request Members of Parliament to join me in celebrating our athletes and their incredible achievements. I am especially requesting this as a Member of Parliament for Uasin Gishu County, which is a city of champions, the home of champions and the source of champions. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}