Sonko airlifts Conjestina Achieng to Nairobi for treatment

Veteran boxer Conjestina Achieng was on Friday airlifted from her rural home in Siaya to Nairobi for treatment after Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko paid for her ticket.

The governor’s move followed huge outcry from Kenyans on social media who were concerned by her plight after a video that seemed to suggest she wasn’t fairing too well went viral.

Sonko also promised to secure employment for the boxer when she comes out of rehabilitation. Congestina was in 2011 diagnosed with mental illness.

Governor Mike Sonko comes to the aid and airlifts Boxing Champ Conjestina Achieng from her rural home in Siaya to Nairobi for treatment and rehabilitation after this video went viral. @MikeSonko has promised to get her employment after rehab. #SonkoRescuesCongestina pic.twitter.com/8YYfZFgWxx

— Gitz Hsc ? (@GitzHQ) November 2, 2018

On February 28, her family appealed for help saying that Ms Achieng’ was in dire need of specialized medical attention owing to her poor mental condition insisting that her continued stay at home was exposing them as well as her to direct danger.

The family also accused the national government as well as the Siaya County Government especially officials in the Ministry of Sports of neglecting the influential boxer who during her heydays brought glory to the country.

But Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris accused the family of frustrating efforts to assit her. Others who have tried to help include singer Suzzana Owiyo.

I hear you. Over the years we have fundraised to help Congestina out but her family members have been an obstacle. This is when State has to move in to protect the vulnerable from abuse and ridicule. @SuzannaOwiyo Can attest how engaged we been before. It’s obvious we failed her.

— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) November 1, 2018

“Conje’ has in the past three months developed an aggressive behaviour. We are asking for help as my daughter needs medical attention,” said Mrs Gertude Auma Adala, Congestina’s mother in an interview with local publication Nyanza Digest.