Zane Robertson Bailed in Kenya Despite Shocking Rape and Gun Charges
Disgraced Kiwi runner Zane Robertson has been released on bail by a Kenyan court amid serious allegations, including attempted rape. The 33-year-old long-distance star, already banned for eight years over doping, must now hand over his passport and is barred from leaving Kenya without court approval.
More Charges Hit the Troubled Athlete
Robertson has been held in custody since his arrest on September 20 in the northwestern town of Iten. Alongside the attempted rape charge, he faces accusations of possessing an unlicensed firearm and unspecified drugs, reportedly found at his home following the complaint.
The athlete strongly denied all charges during last week’s court hearing.
Bail Set at a Whopping 2 Million Kenyan Shillings
Iten principal magistrate Emily Kigen granted his bail with a hefty bond of 2 million Kenyan shillings (about $13,500) plus an equal surety. She stressed Robertson cannot travel outside Kenya without the court’s permission.
Magistrate Kigen said: “Further to this, I shall direct that the accused will not be allowed to travel out of the country unless with the permission of the court.”
Investigation and Legal Nightmare Deepen
The fallout continues for Robertson, who in March was handed an eight-year ban by the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand after doping violations involving performance-enhancing drug Erythropoietin (EPO) and evidence tampering.
A follow-up hearing is set for October 23 as the case develops and more details come to light.
