Kenyan marathoner Matthew Samperu has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a banned substance, AIU officials confirmed on Monday.
The provisional suspension bars him from all sanctioned competitions while the investigation is ongoing.
The suspension follows the detection of testosterone, a substance prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, in samples collected during routine testing.
A provisional suspension is a temporary measure designed to protect the integrity of competition and does not constitute a final determination of guilt.
Matthew Samperu is a rising star in marathon running, with notable performances including a 2:07:25 finish at the 2025 Sevilla Marathon.
His results had positioned him as one of Kenya’s leading marathoners, making the suspension a significant setback to his competitive calendar and Kenya’s presence in international distance running.
The AIU follows a structured procedure in cases of anti-doping violations.
While the suspension is provisional, it prevents Samperu from competing in major upcoming events, including international marathons where he was expected to represent Kenya.
The case also highlights Kenya’s ongoing struggle with anti-doping compliance, amid global scrutiny of distance running integrity.
Kenya has faced multiple doping controversies in recent years, prompting the AIU and World Athletics to increase testing and oversight.
Provisional suspensions are part of the regulatory framework to ensure fairness and maintain confidence in competition results.
The AIU will continue its investigation and schedule a full hearing to determine whether Samperu violated anti-doping rules.
The length of the process can vary but generally spans several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the evidence and hearings.
The AIU statement emphasized the provisional nature of the suspension and confirmed that Samperu is entitled to present a defense during the formal proceedings.
There was no immediate comment from Samperu or his management team.