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Athletics Kenya (AK) has withdrawn two athletes Jackline Wambui and Linda Kageha from the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar from the September 27 to October 6 for failing to take the mandatory testosterone tests.

AK vice president in charge of competitions Paul Mutwii says Wambui (800m) and Kageha, who had initially been named in the Mixed Relay team, declined to undertake the mandatory tests resulting in the decision to withdraw them.

“As you are aware these are not our rules, the international body IAAF has strict rules on gender which must be adhered to. The consequences are very clear for any athlete who fails to take the tests,” said Mutwii.

“ There is nothing we could do but withdraw the said athletes from the team,” he added.

The withdrawal of Wambui, who won the trials for Doha Championships last week, now leaves 2013 world champion Eunice Sum as the country’s representative at the biennial event.

“Time for submitting entries has elapsed therefore we are not able to replace Wambui in the team. 

We can only wish the team we have all the best,” Mutwii told Wikendi Sport.

Wambui and Kageha have since left the team’s residential training camp at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Meanwhile, Mutwii says the fate of 5,000m athletes Michael Kibet and Daniel Simiyu is still unclear despite the athletes already being named in the starting list for the Championships. 

The duo, who qualified for the Doha showpiece by finishing first and second during the national trials, are waiting for a communication from IAAF concerning their eligibility to compete in the championships as they were yet to comply with the anti-doping regulations.

“Yes, we have included Jacob Krop, who was fourth during the trials as a precautionary measure in case Kibet and Simiyu are not cleared,” said Mutwii.

The women’s marathon team is expected to leave September 22 while the remaining group will be travelling on September 24.