New Zealand athlete arrested in Elgeyo Marakwet with AK47 rifle

Police officers in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County have arrested a New Zealand athlete with an illegal firearm and other weapons.

Zane Robertson, 33, was apprehended on Wednesday evening in possession of an unlicensed AK47 rifle with 23 rounds of ammunition in Kapsio.

According to Keiyo North sub-county police commander Tom Makori, it is believed that the illegal gun was linked to incidents of insecurity in Keiyo North.

Athlete accused of sexual assault

His arrest reportedly came about after a woman reported the athlete, accusing him of sexual assault.

Police went to his house to apprehend him for questioning on the claims, but the suspect reportedly declined to open the doors.

“After they gained entry, they discovered that he was in possession of a gun.”

Weapons that found in the house of the foreign athlete in Elgeyo Marakwet. PHOTO/TV47

Apparently, the athlete has been living in Kenya for years and even built a home for himself.

The foreigner is expected in court today (Thursday).

“We will seek more time to conclude investigations,” the police boss added.

Robertson banned over doping

Robertson was banned in March this year by the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand after testing positive for doping. This was during a race in Manchester, England in May 2022.

Speaking on the podcast Runner’s Only with Dom Harvey, Robertson opened up about why he decided to cheat, claiming it was a “one-off”.

“I started to ask myself this question: why do people like myself always have to be the ones to lose or suffer. In the end, lose our contracts, lose our income, lose our race winnings, and eventually give up not having the ability to have a family … that was one reason.”

Athlete Zane Robertson was hit with an eight-year ban over doping. PHOTO/FILE

The athlete further said that the ‘nasty divorce’ he underwent also pushed him to engage in doping.

Athletics Kenya President speaks

Athletics Kenya broke silence on the matter, calling for stern action against foreigners coming into the country with a hidden agenda.

Jack Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya, stated that relevant authorities should follow up on the activities of foreign sportsmen and women.

The Hamilton-born Robertson holds Oceania and New Zealand long-distance records and won bronze in the 5000m at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He also competed in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics two years ago.

This story was filed by Fabian Kibet, Cape Media correspondent