Runners allege Athletics Kenya CEO sought bribe to reduce doping bans

Two Kenyan runners serving four-year doping bans say the CEO of Athletics Kenya asked them each for $24,000 bribes to lower their suspensions.

Joy Sakari and Francisca Koki Manunga were handed suspensions until 2019 after they tested positive at the 2015 world championships.

They say that Isaac Mwangi, the head of the country's governing body for track and field, asked them for the money in an Oct. 16 meeting, according the AP's John Leicester. They were unable to raise the funds and were subsequently informed of their suspensions on Nov. 27.

Mwangi has since acknowledged, but dismissed the allegations, calling them "just a joke." He added that he never met the women in private.

The runners say they're willing to testify to the IAAF ethics commission, which is investigating alleged corruption at Athletics Kenya.