Sonko Airlifts Troubled Former Boxer Conjestina Achieng to Nairobi for Treatment

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has again come to the rescue of former Kenyan boxer Conjestina Achieng.

On Saturday, Sonko airlifted the 43-year-old to Nairobi for treatment, a day after she allegedly attempted to burn her house in Gem, Siaya County due to frustrations she is facing in life.

“She will undergo a medical check-up and doctors will determine if she will be taken back to the rehab,” Sonko said.

The former World International Boxing Federation (WIBF) middleweight champion was having a successful career before she fell ill about 10 years ago. She was diagnosed with Schizo-affective disorder, also known as paranoid schizophrenia.

Since then she has been in and out of mental institutions seeking to improve her mental well-being. In 2012, Conjestina was admitted to Mathari Mental Hospital after she relapsed in a psychotic episode that left her parents distraught.

In 2018, Sonko airlifted her to Nairobi where she underwent treatment and was later taken to rehab in Kabete.  It is believed that her mental health problems are a result of the trauma she got from the hits she took while she was still a pugilist.

Congestina is a two-time World Boxing Council middleweight title winner. She also won World Boxing Federation, Global Boxing Union, and World Boxing International Federation titles.