Barnabas Korir, chairman of the Beyond Zero Half Marathon Local Organising Committee, denied allegations of fraud following a video showing a woman receiving multiple awards at the event. The incident sparked online outrage after the woman was seen holding cheques for KSh 250,000 and KSh 40,000 during the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's marathon on March 10.
Korir clarified that the woman, identified as an event manager, was collecting prizes on behalf of participants who had not yet received their awards. 'These are just rumours which have no basis,' he stated. 'The woman was picking up the award on behalf of the winners who were still in the doping control room.'
Social media users expressed skepticism, noting the woman wore different colored t-shirts during the ceremony. However, Korir emphasized she did not compete in the race, asserting, 'The winners came from the anti-doping stand and were handed their medals without issue.' No complaints from participants have been reported, he added.
The event, held on March 10, featured multiple award categories, with organizers maintaining strict protocols to ensure transparency. The controversy highlights ongoing public scrutiny of large-scale sporting events in Kenya.
