Another dark cloud has cast its shadow over Kenyan athletics as promising long-distance runner Morine Gesare Michira has been handed a two-year ban for an anti-doping rule violation.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced its decision on July 22, 2025, confirming the 22-year-old athlete’s sanction after Higenamine and Octodrine were found in her urine sample.

Michira provided the sample on March 23, 2025, during an In-Competition test in Milan, Italy. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Ghent, Belgium, reported an Adverse Analytical Finding on April 10, 2025, confirming the presence of both prohibited substances.

Higenamine is classified as a Specified Substance (S3 Beta-2 Agonist) prohibited at all times, while Octodrine is a Specified Stimulant (S6B) prohibited In-Competition.

Upon notification on April 15, 2025, Michira offered an explanation, stating she had used supplements. She later identified “CONDEMNED CONVICT High Stim Pre Workout” as the source, purchased in Milan, confirming she ingested two scoops before her marathon on March 23, 2025.

This particular supplement’s ingredients list confirms the presence of both Higenamine and Octodrine.

The AIU determined that this was Michira’s first anti-doping rule violation and found no evidence that her actions were intentional.

Therefore, the mandatory period of ineligibility is two years, effective from June 26, 2025. In addition to the ban, all her results from March 23, 2025, onwards, including any titles, awards, medals, points, prizes, and appearance money, have been disqualified.