Conjestina gets back to boxing ring after years of mental anguish

Kenyan boxing champion Conjestina Achieng on Sunday made a comeback to the ring.

The boxer, popularly known as Conje, attended a boxing match organised by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in Mombasa.

Sonko said the main aim of the march was to initiate Conjestina back to her passion and talent after undergoing treatment at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network.

“Earlier today (Sunday), I was honoured to attend a friendly boxing match I organised in conjunction with Mombasa Eomen rehab between two of the best female boxers Kenya has ever produced, Conjestina Achieng and Fatuma Zarika,” he said in a statement.

Ten years ago, Conje was on the verge of 'vanishing' as she faced financial and mental health issues since she left boxing in 2011.

Her career came to a sudden end when she started suffering mentally.

In September 2022, the boxing champion was admitted to Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Hospital in Miritini.

She had been admitted to various facilities after her health and mental status deteriorated.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko had come to the aid of the boxing champion after he visited her while she was at the hospital.

Sonko gifted her with boxing equipment and admitted Conjestina to several rehabilitation centres in Nairobi and Diani Beach.

Eleven months down the line, Conjestina appears to be on the right track to recovery.

Photos shared by Sonko showed the female boxer back in the boxing ring, indicating that her recovery is on the right path.

Sonko noted that Conje's story is one of a fighter's spirit that refuses to be extinguished.

He revealed that despite facing personal challenges and setbacks in life, the female boxer emerged stronger and more determined than before.

“Throughout her rehabilitation journey, Conjestina has shown incredible physical and mental strength. Her unwavering commitment to better herself has inspired many youths that were almost giving up in life,” Sonko added.