Reports of doping ban bribes in Kenya a concern for WADA

Joy Sakari has claimed Athletics Kenya asked for a payment to reduce her doping sanction

The World Anti-Doping Agency are "disturbed" by media reports that claim Kenyan athletes were asked to pay a bribe in return for doping suspensions being reduced.

Joy Sakari and Francisca Koki Manunga were given four-year suspensions in November 2015 for anti-doping violations but the pair have claimed they were asked for a $24,000 (£16,500) payment by an Athletics Kenya official for a reduction of sanctions.

WADA director general David Howman revealed his concern over the reports and said in a statement: "WADA is most disturbed by these reports regarding extortion and bribery at the national level of sport.

"[They are] eerily similar sounding to what we learnt through the recent Independent Commission investigation into widespread doping in International Athletics.

"WADA will of course require more detailed information on these allegations from those concerned so that we can determine if this is a matter for us to investigate or for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Ethics Commission as part of its own inquiries.

"The allegations we have heard this week also illustrate the importance of having a robust, independent National Anti Doping Organization (NADO) fully functional in Kenya at the earliest opportunity.

"This is a vital step for a country of Kenya's sporting stature to take if it is to effectively protect clean athletes."

The claims have been dismissed by Isaac Mwangi, chief executive officer of Kenyan Athletics, although he says the report will be 'followed up.'

"It's just a fabrication because according to the rules, if you are caught doping, the sanction is very standard," he told Reuters.

"It's very interesting that people are saying that they are being asked for money because once the decision is heard and determined, it's very clear there is no way Athletics Kenya can reduce the suspensions.

"These are just allegations that we will definitely follow up and get to know what is the motive behind this."