Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Kipchoge Keino Charged Over 2016 Kenyan Olympic Team Scandal

By Adam Kopet

Sport24 reports two-time Olympic gold medalist Kipchoge "Kip" Keino has been charged over a scandal involving the mismanagement of funds for the 2016 Kenyan Olympic team.

Keino is one of seven people facing charges ranging from abuse of office to failing to comply with laws on the management of public funds.

Keino, who headed the Kenyan Olympic Committee in 2016, was not in court Monday. He was charged in absentia and has been ordered to present himself to the court by Thursday.

Former sports minister Hassan Wario has also been charged. He was out of the country Monday as he also serves as Kenya's ambassador to Austria. Wario has also been ordered to return to Kenya to face charges.

Kenya faced embarrassment over how its athletes were treated by Kenyan officials in 2016. In some cases, athletes' team uniforms were stolen by officials.

Keino won Olympic gold at the 1968 Olympics in the 1,500 meters and at the 1972 Olympics in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. He also secured silver medals in the 5,000 meters in 1968 and the 1,500 in 1972.

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Keino was awarded the first Olympic Laurel for his service to the Olympic movement.