Athens Marathon champion Samuel Kalalei has become the fifth elite Kenyan to be suspended for alleged doping by the country's Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Several high ranking athletes from Kenya who have also been notified of their failed doping tests include former Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Lucy Kabuu, and Asbel Kiprop, the former world 1,500m champion, reports Xinhua news agency.

Other athletes suspended by AIU pending the conclusion of their cases include Hilary Kepkosgei Yego and Bahraini national Ruth Jebet, who trains and lives in Kenya. Like Kiprop, Kalalei's sample had the presence of a Prohibited Substance (EPO) and he has a chance to defend himself before the AIU before a full ban is imposed. "AIU has issued a notice of charge against Samuel Kalalei for a violation of Article 2.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules. The Kenyan marathon runner is provisionally suspended from all competition," AIU said on Tuesday.