Two more Kenyan athletes have been suspended for doping by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Brian Limo and Matthew Samperu.

Matthew Samperu tested positive for testosterone.

It was announced by the AIU that Samperu, a 2:07:25 marathon runner has been provisionally suspended and may appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Samperu, currently ranked 247th in the men’s marathon according to World Athletics, has had notable performances, including a 1:00:27 finish at the Istanbul Half Marathon in April 2024 and his 2:07:25 marathon personal best in Sevilla, Spain, in 2025.

The 31-year-old won at the 2022 Kip Keino Classic, recording a time of 28:56.07 during the 10,000m event.

Brian Limo

In November 2025, Athletics Illustrated announced the provisional suspension of Kenyan Brian Limo. After further investigation, the AIU has decided to suspend Limo for five years.

Limo initially tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance Salbutamol. Tampering or Attempted Tampering was added, to bring his suspension over the standard four-year, first-time charge. His results will be disqualified from April 5, 2025.

Limo provided an in-competition urine sample during the Drammen 10K–5K event in Norway on April 5 2025.

Analysis conducted by a WADA-accredited laboratory in Oslo revealed Salbutamol levels exceeding the permitted threshold of 1000ng/mL.

Limo may have been spared a longer suspension by eventually coming clean on his lies. For example, he first declared that he was prescribed salbutamol for respiratory issues and submitted documents; however, after an investigation by the AIU, they were found to be altered.

In 2025, the 22-year-old distance runner set at least eight new personal best times in the 1500m, Mile, 5000m, 5000m short track, 3000m, 10,000m and the half-marathon distance event.

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