Mike Sonko has given boxing champion Conjestina Achieng a fresh lease on life.
The struggling boxer is a member of Sonko’s security team.
Sonko uploaded a photo of Conje as she started her first day as an employee on his social media accounts, dressed in an all-white two-piece suit.
We change lives, thus Nawacho ni Conjestina okdog Siaya. No Kenyan plays politics or public relations in our daily lives. The politician praised her and remarked that.
He also uploaded a video showing her accompanying him from his residence to his car, where she expertly unlocked the front door of his expensive car.
“We go now, twendeni,” Sonko tells his troops, who were waiting.
Conjestina Achieng’s son recently surprised many with how fast he has grown; I mean, wasn’t he just 10 years the other day; and now he is a grown man working as a boxer.
Conjestina Achieng
Good for him; especially since he gets to carry on his mother’s legacy in the boxing world; and now that Kenya has not had many successful boxers putting our flag on international matches; I bet Charltone Otieno might just change this!
Growing up with single mum
Anyway so far we understand that Charltone was raised by a single mum, Conjestina; who never got to speak about her baby daddy during her glory days back in the day.
Conjestina with son, Charltone
Well, could be that she fell out with the baby daddy before was Charltone born or immediately after; which could explain why the young man knows nothing about his dad.
Speaking to popular news outlet just recently; Charltone opened up about inquiring about his dad’s whereabouts when he was 6 years; but as expected, Conjestina didn’t say much.
Tbt: Conjestina
Speaking about this, Charltone said;
I asked her when I was 6-years-old. She said she will answer me when am old enough. Am now old enough but I can’t ask it, she is not at the right state of mind.
Clearly from the interview one can tell that the young man is okay not knowing his father; and having seen how his mum struggled before and after her illness;
He confirmed this by saying;
It will be insensitive for me to ask her that right now. Am focused on her health. I would like to know him, whether dead or alive
Word making rounds is that former boxer Conjestina Achieng’s mental heath is getting worse; to a point where she just torched her house in Gem Yala, in Siaya County.
Former boxer: Conjestina Achieng accuses of torching her house
This is the latest news concerning the female boxer who is said to be mentally unstable; due to depression which later resulted to a permanent mental illness; and clearly Conje needs help.
As seen on a Tweet shared by one Ole Teya; the fella went on to reveal that Conjestina’s actions were fueled by frustrations; and I’m assuming this has to do something with money; cause clearly kama kumekauka hivi Nairobi her situation must be worse especially since she lives with her parents back in the vial age.
Conjestina Achieng torches her house in Gem Yala, Siaya county citing frustration.
Conjestina Achieng
Former Boxer Conjestina needs help!
With the news making rounds on social media like wild fire; KoT has come forth to question the government (not like they really care) for abandoning a champion that once represented Kenya during boxing matches in the world.
Conjestina during boxing match Photo credits: gettyimages
Some even bashed Raila for never stepping in to help Conjestina; im guessing because they’re from the same tribe – but either way – the old man could have done something.
Anyway, this incident comes after months the former boxer made headlines for fighting villagers back in Gem; and when she started roaming around like homeless person; and now – amechoma, literally she torched her house.
A few weeks ago sports media personality Carol Radull announced that she had taken it upon herself to have Conjestina treated and rehabilitated in Nairobi. The presenter through her IG page went on to on to announce this saying;
Conjestina and Carol Radull
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.
Of course, Conjestina being a recognized boxer who represented Kenya during international matches; there are those who would have hoped to step in financially and for this reason Radull went on to add;
Alot has happened over the past month and she is now two weeks into a 3 month treatment 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.
3 months down the line
Having been 3 months since Radull posted the message shared above; one of Edgar’s following has come out to reveal that Conjestina is back to struggling. However this time around Conjestina is not in Yala division, Siaya District but in Nairobi, babadogo.
According to the fan who shared the photo with Edgar, she claims that the former has been roaming around that area; and clearly all is not well. However judging from how she is dressed; one wouldn’t really say Conje is suffering – for all we know is that she could have been taking a short walk around the area.
As for now we await for those who brought her to Nairobi to address the photo below; since Kenyans clearly still care for her.
This debate was re-ignited a few days ago after media personality Carol Radull and her sister Flora paid Conjestina a visit and donated some essentials to her family.
Carol Radull and Conjestina Achieng
Photos from the meeting elicited mixed reactions on social media with many faulting the government for neglecting her despite putting Kenya’s name on the world map.
Admittedly, there have been numerous attempts to help Conjestina and help her get back on her feet but I still feel that it’s not enough.
Coming to her aid been turned into a publicity stunt since by political leaders who want to be seen to be doing something only to later abandon her at a rehabilitation centre and not fulfill their promises.
Take for instance Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko who promised her a job in 2018 only to later claim that it was not his prerogative to dish out county jobs. It makes you wonder why he even made the promise.
Conjestina Achieng
In her post, Carol revealed that Conje, as she is popularly known, had lost a lot of weight and was angry that the government had abandoned her in her time of need.
It’s time for authorities and well-wishers to step in and help her when they still can. Interestingly, many people will just sit pretty and wait for her to die and splash millions on her funeral.
She’s not alone. There are so many Kenyans who have done the country proud but live in squalor and the only reminder of what they used to mean to the country are the medals and trophies that they won.
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 best
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.
Boxer Conjestina Achieng was on November 2nd 2018 flown to the capital for treatment courtesy of Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.
Sonko decided to fly Conje to Nairobi for treatment after video surfaced on social media showing the former boxing great begging to survive.
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) also stepped in to help the legendary boxer after the video surfaced online.
Ready for the next fight
Conje was taken to rehab after landing in Nairobi. Her mother had earlier indicated that the boxer’s health deteriorated after she sunk into drug abuse.
Boxer Conjestina Achieng’ was on Friday November 2nd flown to the capital for treatment courtesy of Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.
Sonko decided to fly Conje to Nairobi for treatment after video surfaced on social media showing the former boxing great begging to survive.
Conjestina’s mother Getrude Auma has since explained how her daughter ended up in the situation she was in before Sonko came to her rescue.
Speaking during an interview with The Nairobian, Auma revealed that her daughter was taken to a rehabilitation centre in Homa Bay courtesy of a local betting firm early this year.
The rehab however kicked Conje out before she completed her treatment. Her mother says that the facility couldn’t tolerate her daughter because of her aggression.
“It was supposed to be a six-month treatment plan and the company paid all the money. However, the facility’s management kicked her out after three months for what they termed Conje’s aggression which threatened other clients,” said Conje’s mother.
Drug use
Conjestina Achieng’ at a hospital in Nairobi after she was flown to the capital for treatment courtesy of Mike Sonko
Auma further reveals that Conje sunk into drug abuse after she returned home from the rehab. She says that Conje used to leave home in the morning and returned late at night, and that she would attack people sometimes.
“From that day, we have never seen peace in this home. Sometimes we get calls informing us that she has been attacked for provoking people in the neighbourhood or in the market.”
Conje’s mother also reveals that people took advantage of her daughter’s situation before she was finally helped by Nairobi governor.
“Some people took advantage of the situation and started making money from her condition. We know of people who visited us, took pictures with her and used them to make money.”
Sonko Rescue Team and Chipukeezy had a stand-off at Kisumu International Airport after they both laid claim on sickly boxer Conjestina Achieng.
The two group – Team Sonko and Chipukeezy who was representing National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) both wanted to take Conje back in Nairobi.
Chipukeezy, who serves at NACADA board, had earlier indicated that he had struck a deal with Conje’s family to fly her to the capital for treatment.
“I’ve talked to the family and we have agreed I go pick her tomorrow in kisumu and take her to the Best Rehab/mental in Kenya.. As NACADA We will take care of her ???,” wrote Chipukeezy.
Impasse resolved
On Friday November 2nd, the two teams met at Kisumu airport and they both wanted to take Conje to Nairobi. The stalemate was resolved after Chipukeezy backed down and allowed Team Sonko to fly Conje to the capital.
“It is unfortunate that Sonko also had a plan to take her, but we are all in government so we hope he (Sonko) will take her to the rehabilitation centre proposed by NACADA because we understand it better,” said Chipukeezy will addressing the press at Kisumu airport.
Boxer Conjestina Achieng’ was on Friday November 2nd flown to the capital for treatment courtesy of Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.
Conje’s situation has elicited mixed reactions. Some people blamed Nyanza leaders including Raila Odinga for neglecting the sickly boxer.
City lawyer Donald Kipkorir has however rubbished claims Raila neglected Conjestina. The flamboyant lawyer termed these claims as malicious.
Congestina Achieng undergoing checkup at Nairobi West Hospital after she was flown to the capital.
Ida’s help
Kipkorir reminds Kenyans that on September 5th 2012 Raila’s wife Ida Odinga rushed to the rescue of Conjestina when her health deteriorated.
“Some years ago, when Conjestina Achieng went off the rail, Yvonne Khamati asked me that we help her. We assisted her. Later, when she became unwell again, I asked Silas Jakakimba & Mama Ida that we help her & we did … To blame Baba Raila Odinga for her situation is MALEVOLENT,” Donald Kipkorir tweeted.
Asked who is to be blamed for Conjestina’s situation, Kipkorir said that only the doctor who treated the boxer should explain why she didn’t get better.
