Nairobi — World marathon record holder Paul Tergat yesterday led athletes in condemning Athletics Kenya over the action taken against two top female runners.

Two-time World Half-Marathon silver medallist, Susan Chepkemei, was banned from all athletics events for the remaining part of the season.

Chepkemei was banished after failing to report to the national cross country team's residential training camp in Embu.

Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said on Monday Chepkemei would remain in the cold until December 31.

And following the ban she will not take part in the London Marathon on April 17.

Kiplagat also said three-time world cross country short race champion, Edith Masai, has been given seven days to produce a medical report proving her injury or face similar sanctions.

Tergat and Patrick Sang condemned the action, saying it was in bad taste.

In a statement, Tergat said the action against leading female athletes was not only unfair but completely outrageous.

"We understand that athletics Kenya want to achieve good results during this month's World Cross Country Championships at St. Glamier in France, but I think the way they are going about it is wrong," said Tergat.

He said taking a dictatorial stand in matters such as these will not help develop athletics in the country.

Tergat, also the world half marathon record holder, said the decision was likely to impact negatively on the national squad currently in Kigari.

He said the decision defeats the natural rule of justice.

"The decision amounts to condemning the two athletes without being given a chance to be heard," he added.

Tergat wondered where and when AK had called Chepkemei to defend herself or even explain her action of running the 10km race in Puerto Rico.

While announcing the sanctions against Chepkemei, Kiplagat said unless she gives a convincing reason for skipping the camp, she will serve the ban.

"Are the AK officials telling the world that the association and management of athletics is run on impulse and that there are no rules and procedures for instituting disciplinary action?" he asked.

He wondered why the federation had chosen the two runners, when there were male athletes, who did not report to camp.

Eliud Kipchoge, Isaac Songok, Augustine Choge, Abraham Chebii and Sammy Kipketer reported to camp after 10 days, just in time to beat the AK deadline.

He asked AK to treat female runners with respect as they have to surmount various difficulties to make it in the international arena.

He said AK is not known to invest in athletes yet they are always quick to claim credit from their sweat.

He said Chepkemei and Masai are mature runners, who should be allowed to choose what is good for them.

He said such practices by AK would drive the sport to its death-knell, signs of which are beginning to emerge.

Sang' said the decision against Chepkemei was too harsh considering the nature of the offence.

"You can not take such a harsh decision before listening to the athlete," he said.

But Kiplagat defended the action and said Tergat was always in camp when he won his five world titles, as was John Ngugi, another five-time world champion.

"When we don't take action we are accused of giving agents control over our affairs. When we act we're accused of dictatorship," he said.

"This is a disciplinary matter, which should not be politicised," he said.

An official of Global Sports Communications, who manage Chepkemei, said she discussed the issue directly with the chairman.

"Susan has always been clear on her intentions. And her intention is still to represent Kenya in the World XC as she has represented Kenya on many occasions and has won many medals for Kenya as well," said Michel Boeting.