Governor Sonko comes to ailing Conjestina Achieng’s aid

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Conjestina Achieng' in Siaya right before she was airlifted to Nairobi for treatment./COURTESY

Nairobi, KENYA: Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has come to the aid of former women’s boxing champion Conjestina Achieng’, a day after comedian Chipukeezy promised to help her. 

The Nairobi governor on Friday airlifted Conjestina, who has been ailing, from her rural home in Siaya to Nairobi for treatment.

“I was touched by Congestina’s plight after a video of her current state went viral on the social media. My team led by the Nairobi City County Government sports board is leading the mission to airlift the veteran boxer who brought pride to the nation by winning several international boxing titles,” said Governor Sonko on Facebook.

The 41 year old International Middle weight champion, who made her pro debut on 8 June 2002 in Nairobi, fought in 27 fights before her health plundered.

In 2011 her father, Clement Adalo, sent an appeal to Kenyans seeking help to help take Conjestina to a hospital after he noticed her behavior had changed.

Conjestina, commonly known as Conje, had removed her son from school, set ablaze all her boxing gear and disposed of all the equipment from her gymnasium, which she had opened in 2009.

She was then admitted at Mathari hospital in Nairobi which specializes in mental health care.

She was again taken to Mathari hospital by opposition leader Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, in 2012 after a story ran on Citizen TV showing Conjestina in a state of confusion and utter despair.

In her 27 fights, the two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight title winner won 17 of them, with 8 wins being through knockouts.

Governor Sonko has promised her employment after rehabilitation.

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