Sonko Airlifts Conjestina to Nairobi After House Burns

Retired boxer Conjestina Achieng'
Retired boxer Conjestina Achieng'
Instagram

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's team landed in Gem Siaya County on Saturday, August 28, to airlift retired boxer Conjestina Achieng' to Nairobi.

The former champion is set to undergo treatment and assessment, following her struggles with suspected mental health complications.

The former governor stated that the retired boxer will undergo a medical check-up, and doctors will determine if she will be taken back to the rehab or subjected to other forms of treatment.

Sonko swung into action, following reports that the former boxer's home had been torched by unknown people. But NTV host and sports anchor, Carol Radull, clarified these claims, stating that there was a fire at her home but the damage was not as extensive as it had been reported.

Former Nairobi governor at a past function in 2016
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at a past function in 2016
File

Radull, who had spoken with Achieng's family, told Kenyans.co.ke that the incident happened on Thursday, August 27 night.

"All her clothes got burnt, but the house, trophies and boxing belts are safe. The fire was inside the house but went off before getting to the roof," she stated.

But a detective privy to the investigations disputed the family's claims, saying that it was Achieng' herself who set the house on fire.

"From the reports we have, she actually set the house on fire," the detective, who sought anonymity, told Kenyans.co.ke.

The former boxer, whose life took a turn for the worse, has been expressing frustration, accusing the government and sporting fraternity of abandoning her.

Photos of the former boxing champion had been shared online, showing the sorry state she is in. Earlier efforts made to help Achieng' by taking her to different rehabilitation centres have bore no fruit.

Radull, who recently visited the legend, noted that she has been spending more time alone, wallowing in deep thoughts; a situation that is likely to have deteriorated her mental stability.

"I am no medical expert, but I see little sense in taking someone to rehab for some time then returning them to the same challenging environment," she asserted.

"In my layman's assessment; she is not mad but she does need more rehab to overcome her dependence on abusive substances. She also needs some counselling (anger management). She also needs to be in an environment where her mind is kept busy; where her talent is being used; where she feels useful and appreciated."

NTV host and sports anchor Carol Radull and retired boxer Conjestina Achieng'
Journalist and media personality Carol Radull (left) and former boxer Conjestina Achieng' (right) on July 28, 2020.
Photo
Carol Radull
  • . .