[NOTE: WHILE THERE ARE SOME ROGUE AGENTS DEALING IN KENYA, THE LOCAL NATIONAL FEDERATION THERE HAS ALSO PREVIOUSLY JUMPED TO FALSE CONCLUSIONS IN THE CASE OF A COUPLE OF MANAGERS I KNOW PERSONALLY (subsequently reinstating them), SO WE SHOULD TAKE THIS REPORT ALSO WITH A GRAIN A SALT. - KK]
Athletics Kenya acts tough
Published on 21/01/2009
By Mutwiri Mutuota
Chris Gower, Hussein Makke, Ian Ladbrooke and Khalil Benhalima were named as the managers whose licences have been revoked by Athletics Kenya (AK) as the federation moved to reign in on what they termed ‘rogue’ agents.
While exposing their identities to the press after FeverPitch carried on Wednesday the decision to sanction the four, AK chairman, Isaiah Kiplagat said, “They have featured prominently in complaints by athletes under them for withholding earnings, not giving them races among other problems.”
Consequently, the four have until February 19, when AK will meet all registered agents to appeal the decision.
The federation also released the list of the 38 managers/agents who will be allowed to represent Kenyan runners where ten new names feature.
But on a day where AK gave a raft of policy statements that have potential of far reaching effects in the management of the sport, the issue of the sanctioned managers took centre stage.
British national, Ladbrooke handles marathoners John Mutai, Joseph Riri, Helen Cherono and Zak Kihara, who won the 2005 Edinburgh Marathon.
Twice World Half silver medallist and seven time sub-60 half-marathoner, Patrick Makau Musyoki, told FeverPitch he left Ladbrooke’s stable after financial disputes.
“He was not honest when it came to my money and I decided to leave him for Zane Branson,” Makau claimed.
Beirut-born American national, Makke who runs the Elite Sports Management International (Esmi) represented among others the late Wesley Ngetich, the marathoner killed last January at the height of post-election violence.
Seasoned runners, Henry Kipchirchir, a former All Africa Games bronze winner, Leah Malot, Isaac Arusei, Reuben Chebii, Naomi Wangui and Grace Njoki are some listed in Esmi’s website http://www.esmintl.com/athletes.html.
The inventory also contains Russian marathoner, Lyubov Denisova who tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio — the same finding that derailed 2006 Tour de France champion Floyd Landis and the convicted cheat Asmae Leghzaoui.
Benhalima is a France-based manager while British born Gowar and his firm Christopher and Associates are based in Nairobi. Speaking to FeverPitch, Gower expressed his ‘astonishment and shock’ over AK’s decision saying he would appeal against the decision.
“I was informed my application had been declined and launched an appeal where I was to give them all details, I cannot believe this,” he said.