The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has denied claims that it mistreated or harassed former world under-20 champion Edward Zakayo Pingua, following his surprise retirement from athletics last week.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ADAK rejected accusations that it mishandled Zakayo’s disciplinary case, which resulted in his suspension for three “whereabouts failures” within a 12-month period — a breach under global anti-doping rules.

“ADAK denies any form of intimidation or harassment,” said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Shibutse Wahome. “If anyone claims to act on ADAK’s behalf outside formal communication channels, we urge immediate reporting for investigation.”

A Career Cut Short

Zakayo, once hailed as one of Kenya’s most promising distance runners, shocked fans when he announced his retirement on social media through two emotional posts titled “Why I Left Athletics” and “My Truth.”

In them, the 21-year-old described what he called a frustrating and “unfair” process. He said he was repeatedly summoned to Nairobi for hearings that later took place online, and that the lawyer assigned to him was not of his own choosing.

“I felt cornered and powerless,” Zakayo wrote. “I wanted to compete, not fight endless battles.”

He also claimed financial difficulties made it impossible to attend all proceedings, saying this contributed to misunderstandings that ultimately cost him his career.

ADAK Responds

ADAK, however, maintains it followed due process. In its response, the agency said Zakayo’s case was handled in full accordance with Kenyan law and international anti-doping standards.

“All Anti-Doping Rule Violation cases handled by ADAK strictly comply with the Anti-Doping Act (2016), ADAK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Code, and International Standards for Results Management (ISRM),” the agency said.

The statement confirmed that the Sports Disputes Tribunal considered Zakayo’s explanation — that he had lost his phone and therefore missed updates on testing schedules — but ruled that maintaining accurate whereabouts remained the athlete’s sole responsibility under the global code.

“We understand the emotional strain that accompanies disciplinary proceedings,” ADAK added. “However, emotional distress cannot replace adherence to rules.”

A Wider Reckoning

Zakayo’s exit has reignited debate about the treatment of young athletes and the growing tension between Kenyan authorities and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

ADAK has been under intense scrutiny in recent months following a WADA audit in May 2024 that raised questions about Kenya’s compliance with international anti-doping standards.

Last week, President William Ruto ordered a sweeping reorganisation of ADAK to address concerns over governance and transparency, warning that failure to meet WADA’s conditions could expose Kenya to sanctions, including suspension from global competitions.

From Promise to Pause

Edward Zakayo rose to fame as a teenager, winning gold in the 5000m at the 2018 World Under-20 Championships and bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His sudden retirement marks a painful turn for a career once filled with promise — and has prompted calls for greater support for athletes navigating the often complex anti-doping system.

As one athletics insider put it, “Zakayo’s story shows that even talent and hard work can be undone if young athletes don’t get proper guidance through these processes.”

For now, ADAK’s denial and Zakayo’s heartfelt farewell posts stand in sharp contrast — one rooted in procedure, the other in emotion. Whether this controversy leads to reform or deepens mistrust within Kenyan athletics remains to be seen.