Former boxing star Conjestina Achieng', on Friday, June 16, reported to work for the first time since concluding her rehabilitation.
Conjestina, a two-time African champion and a former world title challenger, accompanied former Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko, to his office in Nairobi.
Sonko appointed her as the head of security at Salama Bling Beach Resort, Kanamai, in Kilifi County.
On her first day at work, Conjestina accompanied Mike Sonko on his endeavours and was given a tour of his office and facilities before being introduced to the staff.
The Kenyan sports veteran was pictured opening the door for Sonko, suggesting that she was acting as his lead bodyguard.
She also carried his briefcase, a typical undertaking by lead bodyguards, especially those handling businesses for senior business or political figures.
Conjestina thanked the former Nairobi Governor for stepping in to help him recover from the mental distress after retiring from professional boxing.
"I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life and grateful to Governor Sonko for giving me this opportunity. I will work hard to make him proud," Conjestina stated on Thursday, June 15, after meeting Sonko.
Sonko noted that he was confident that Conjestina would be a valuable asset to his team since she had fully recovered.
"God only appears to those pursuing their dreams - the devastation and discouragement of the chase should never make you give up.
"Conjestina is a Kenyan boxing icon. She is a role model for young people and she is a fighter. I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to our team," Sonko stated.
Sonko had planned to employ Conjestina at his Mombasa nightclub before transferring her to work at Salama Bling Beach Resort, Kanamai as a gym instructor and head of security.
"My initial plan for Conje after healing was to employ her as the Head of security operations at the international Club Volume, but I changed my mind after thinking through what she has gone through before on drug and substance abuse. I don't want her around any environment associated with drugs.
"Conje will be the gym instructor and head security at Salama Bling Beach Resort, Kanamai. Together with her sister, coach and son, we inspected the hotel where she'll work, and they all agreed.
As the head of security, Conjestina is responsible for the overall security of the beach resort, including its people, property, and information.
The former boxer develops and implements security policies and procedures, trains and supervises security personnel, and responds to security incidents. She plays a critical role in protecting the organisation from various threats, including physical security threats, and illegal breaches.
Sonko added that he would closely monitor her progress, advocating against allowing her to travel up-country where she may relapse.
"She will now be making a living in order to support her family, but we have agreed with them that they will not return to Siaya again. She will only be going to say hello under supervision and then return to her work," the former governor stated.
