Time must really be flying that is judging from the new photos we come across of boxer Conjestina’s son, Charltone Otieno.
Tbt: Conjestina
Well the last time we saw this young man I bet he was barely a teenager; but like I said, time is flying really fast; and is now a grown man who is following in mum’s footsteps as an upcoming boxer.
From the photos shared on his page, it’s clear to see young Charltone Otieno is indeed his mother’s son; not just with the boxing career but also with his looks.
Like Mother like son
From the way he appears to be passionate about boxing; chances are that Charltone is aiming at carrying on his mother’s legacy; which was cut short by depression which led to temporary mental disorder.
Anyway, truth is future is really bright for him especially since boxing hasn’t been doing so well in the past few years.
Former boxing champion Conjestina Achieng is currently receiving treatment at an unknown rehab center where she is receiving treatment.
For years now Conjestina has been battling with a mental illness that may have been caused due to the hits received during her boxing years.
So far she has been admitted at the Mathare hospital where she was hospitalized for a few weeks; then unfortunately just after leaving the Rehab she was moved to the village where her situation worsened.
About a year ago Sonko also organized for Conjestina to be airlifted from Siaya to Nairobi for treatment and rehabilitation.
But, unfortunately this did not also help as she was once again taken back to the village after her treatment; and usual there was no follow up!
However Carol Radull who has been following up on Congestina now says the boxer is doing well weeks after checking in into rehab for the 3rd time. Through her Instagram page, the lady wrote;
Hi Guys.. A few weeks ago I visited Boxing Superstar Conjestina Achieng at her home in Yala. As you all know she was not okay and many of you asked how you could assist.
Netizens have also been asked to help out with the bill since the treatment is expensive. The sports journalist went on to conclude saying;
Alot has happened over the past month and she is now two weeks into a 3 month treament programme and progress is good. But the treatment is expensive and we need your support to see her through this as we also try and fill the gaps that were causing her to relapse. Details at www.tufund.org or simply spare what you can to the details on the flier. Please spread the word as well ???????? #SupportConjestina
Conjestina Achieng was and will continue being the best female boxer Kenya ever produced.
Back in the day when she was still a strong boxer aiming for the stars; the mother of one fought fights that will never be forgotten but unfortunately despite the glory…she now remains forgotten.
However, we as Ghafla have compiled a few photos of Conjestina from back in the day and boy will you be shocked. From the photos below it’s evident to see that life was easier and bearable for her before she suffered the mental illness that has reduced her to a village fighter.
Conjestina
A while back, Mama Conje revealed how her daughter (Conjestina) had become an alcoholic; who often picked fightings at liquor dens in their village.
Conjestina however got help, but problem is… it seems that people who reach out to help only want photos for social media; yet never follow up n her recovery journey.
The old Conjestina
Below are just a few photos showing the lovely Conjestina when she was still the queen of boxing!
Former Boxer Conjestina Achieng doing what she does bestChampion Boxer, Congestina AchiengBoxer, Ms Achieng back in the dayConjestina dressed dolled upConje back in the day
Jalang’o seems to feel like everyone else who came across the new photos of Conjestina shared by Carol Radull who recently paid her a visit back in Gem!
Judging from how washed up and malnourished Conjestina looks; many can’t help but feel sorry for former boxing champion who represented Kenya well – only for her to live in such poor conditions.
Conjestina with Carol Radull
Conje’s story hurts soo much anytime it comes up and thank you soo much @carolradull for visiting her, sometimes you look at what some Legends go through I swear you just hate this Government!
Who is to blame?
Among those who have come out to address her current living state is Jalang’o who indirectly blames the government for neglecting Conjestina despite her dedication to represent her motherland all those years.
Although there are those who have stepped in to help Conjestina before; Jalang’o goes on to add that Rehab and word of mouth is not enough to get the boxer back on her feet. In his post, the radio presenter goes on to add;
Conje
I dont know what to say about Conje’s story because we all know that alot has been done to help her the last notable was when Gov. Sonko took charge. We can now just say rehab alone will not change her we have to get her out of the environment that took her first to the Rehab, Going to the rehab and coming back to the same village and environment will not help. I know many people will now come out to help and the circle will continue, pick Conje, take her to Rehab, take her back to Gem village.
Steps in to help
Well, just like the rest who have stepped in to help Jalang’o has also offered to use his connections to help Conjestina who undeniably needs some care and attention.
On my side I’ll call and reach out to Amb. Yvone Khamati who is the CEO at the Newly formed Heroes Council and see what we can do, but if you are a well wisher who wants to help her dont just go pick her up and take her to Rehab think about post rehab. Nyar Gem keep fighting all will be well.
One of Kenya’s leading freestyle rapper is in the news again, but for a noble cause.
Octopizzo is a self-made entertainer and rapper with roots in the sprawling Kibera Slums, Nairobi. He has steadily risen to win awards, and command an enviable following in hip hop as a recording and performing artist.
The artist’s roots have hugely influenced an entrepreneur spirit, and notably, his passion in humanitarian activities.
No wonder, then, that the deplorable condition of one of Kenya’s best female pugilists has drawn his attention.
Sports Personality Carol Radull on a recent visit to the former champion
Conjestina Achieng is a former Kenya champion before a gradual but steady slide into obscurity. For a few years now, Conje has battled depression and a mental breakdown that has seen her attend rehabilitation stints. She has repeatedly slid back into the dark abyss, and her present condition is heartbreaking.
Conjestina popularly known as ‘Hands of Stone’ has an impressive boxing record, and boasts one of the most detailed Wikipedia page in the world of sports. She has had 27 fights, winning 17 with 8 wins by knockouts. She has drawn in 4 fights, and lost narrowly in 6 fights.
Conje is without doubt one of the greatest female boxers Kenya has ever had. Or, perhaps, ever have. What then, went down?
Rapper Octopizzo took this issue at hand, on an engaging Twitter thread. In the post, Octopizzo slams the government for ignoring a retired sports icon – after building, branding and feeding off her exploits in the ring for years.
The rapper particularly took issue with the indifference the government treats legends, in favor of ineffectual matters – The infamous Githeri Man case, for instance. The individual shot to fame in the last elections when a camera man captured him on a queue with boiled githeri in a paper bag.
The Githeri Man received a Head of State Commendation (HSC) Award.
The thread has raised an uproar. A large section of Kenyans blamed her downfall on a lot of issues, and non-issues bordering on tribe, and politics.
A few public personalities have been assisting the ailing boxer for a while. The Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko has at a point funded her rehabilitation. Recently, sports journalist Carol Radull has been making personal visits to the former champion.
Octopizzo in a file image
Rapper King Kaka also joined the discussion, and seeks suggestions for a lasting, sustainable solution to the Conjestina problem.
Kenya owes a lot to Conjestina Achieng, and she deserves a bit of attention. It’s not an armchair discussion of the choices, or lack of, she made during her career.
