Rooney Onyango cleared to play as SDT lifts suspension

Rooney Onyango in action for the Harambee Stars/HARAMBEE STARS

The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has temporarily lifted the provisional suspension of Harambee Stars defender Rooney Onyango, which had been imposed by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).

The 24-year-old right-back, who turns out for Norwegian side Sogndal Fotball, had been sidelined on February 28, 2026, accused of “whereabouts failure.”

According to ADAK, Onyango accumulated three filing failures or missed tests within 12 months — a violation that can attract a potential two-year ban under anti-doping regulations.

However, in an order dated March 3, 2026, the Tribunal ruled: “This matter is certified as urgent. The Tribunal issues an interim order staying, suspending and/or lifting the Respondent’s provisional suspension of the Applicant issued on 12th February 2026 pending the inter partes hearing of this Application.”

The ruling clears Onyango to resume all football-related activities while the case is pending.

“The Applicant shall be free to participate in national team training camps, travel and match participation and any related official preparation activities and, for specificity, shall also be eligible for call-ups and participation during the Fifa international window,” the order reads.

 “The Applicant shall serve upon the Respondent with the Notice of Motion and all its accompanying documents, together with this Order, by 4 pm on March 3. The service shall be physical or via electronic means.” ADAK, as the Respondent, must “file and serve their responses to the Application on or before 4 pm on March 6.”

Emphasising the urgency, the SDT noted: “Owing to the exigency of the matter and the need for an expedited hearing, the Parties may also make oral representations during the Mention under paragraph 7 below.”

The panel set to hear the matter comprises Hon. Eddie Omondi (Chair), Hon. Allan Mola and Hon. Luke Irungu. The case is scheduled for mention on March 10, 2026, at 2.00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams, where compliance will be confirmed and further directions issued.

“This matter shall be mentioned on March 10, 2026, at 2 pm via Microsoft Teams before the Tribunal of the Judiciary of Kenya to confirm compliance and for further directions,” the order states.

The interim reprieve restores Onyango’s eligibility for both club and country, handing Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy a timely boost ahead of upcoming international assignments.

The SDT decision comes amid a broader anti-doping crackdown in Kenyan football. Onyango was among several high-profile players provisionally suspended for whereabouts failures, including Benson Omalla and John Njuguna of Nairobi United, Charles Ouma of Kenya Police FC, Bonphas Munyasa of KCB FC and Johanna Mwita, formerly of Bandari FC.

By explicitly stating that “the Tribunal issues an interim order staying, suspending and/or lifting the Respondent’s provisional suspension…pending the inter partes hearing,” the SDT has provided immediate relief to Onyango while preserving ADAK’s right to present its case at the substantive hearing.

For now, Onyango can return to training, travel and competitive action, maintaining match fitness as he awaits the outcome of the March 10 proceedings.