The Taskforce led by Prof. Moni Wekesa saw their report completed in April released by Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr. Hassan Wario and their findings blamed the hiring of Friday and Treu for introducing the supplements to their players without their knowledge they contained steroids proscribed by global body, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
During Friday’s tenure the probe findings claim, the supplements were supplied through Weider Nutrition, a store in Nairobi’s Central Business District that also distributes the same nutritional extras to Kenya Cup sides, Kenya Harlequins and Nakuru RFC.
The report added when South African Treu took charge, he came with his own regime of food supplements identified as ‘Evox’as the Wekesa taskforce blamed foreigners for exposing Kenyan players to banned susbtances that could invite positive drug tests at international competitions.
The report was however, silent on the level of steroids in the nutritional extras in relation to the limits permitted by WADA.
“The use of food supplements was introduced by non-Kenyan coaches of the national team. Samples were retrieved from Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and subjected to laboratory analysis and were found to contain steroids.
“KRU has been administering the supplements to the players without their knowledge. The Union informed us (task force) they prefer the foreign coaches rather than local since they are more familiar with the use of food supplements in the sport,” part of the report read.
According to the report, former Kenya 7s and Nakuru RFC back row Edwin Shimenga is the only player to have tested positive (hydrochlorithiazide) in 2005.
It added 24 players were tested out of competition and 12 during competition last year by IRB.
The task force further found out KRU and specific officials were in contravention of S.2.6 (b) of the Union’s anti-doping regulations which mirror the WADA.
“After the lab analysis was done and results obtained, the same was shared with KRU who agreed to stop using them immediately as well as surrendering the remaining stock in their possession to the task force for destruction,” it explained revealing this is yet to be done.
The taskforce recommended the coaches led by Treu and his national 15s compatriot Jerome Paarwater be subjected to a disciplinary process by the Regional Anti-Doping Organization, RADO.
Others are Sevens assistant coach Felix Ochieng, strength and conditioning Graham Henry, Attack coach Vuyo Zangqa and conditioning coaches George Kimani and Michael Owino.
In 15s, assistant coaches Charles Ngovi and Paul Murunga as well as conditioning coach Richard Ochieng completed the list.
Both Treu and KRU boss, Mwangi Muthee were unavailable for comment having reportedly travelled to South Africa.