Sonko responds over his fallout with former boxing champion Conjestina Achieng’
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko refutes claims that he abandoned former boxing champion Conjestina Achieng' after reports indicated that her health had deteriorated
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko refutes claims that he abandoned former boxing champion Conjestina Achieng’ after reports indicated that her health had deteriorated.
In a statement on Friday, Mike Sonko leaked phone call conversations with Conjestina’s family, disclosing how she left his team after a misunderstanding.
Sonko claimed that the boxer was angry because Sonko was unable to get her a plane ticket from Mombasa to Nairobi since all flights were fully booked.
Conjestina was thus put on a bus as Sonko flew after securing his ticket in the last minutes.
His aides traveled to Mombasa via the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) as it was the last available mode of transportation.
It was alleged that the former boxer expressed her displeasure when Sonko’s team went to pick her up from the bus stop and demanded to go back home to Siaya.
The boxer’s family members led by Conjestina’s son, Charlton, were also accused of calling on the former governor to allow her to go back home where her health deteriorated.
“I needed to go to court and a warrant of arrest could have been issued against me if I failed. Conjestina was upset that I did not get her a plane ticket and put her on the bus. My team also traveled with SGR.
“Others were criticizing and accusing me of playing PR and vipindiree. I hereby wish to respond with facts as hereunder: Kenyans, I did my best to help Conje, but her family watered down my efforts,” Sonko stated but did not disclose when the incident happened.
The former governor added that he had opposed the family’s decision to recall Conjestina from his care as they were not prepared to monitor her well and ensure she continued with her rehabilitation.
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“Fortunately, my heart is bigger than mine. At times, I fail to control it for the love I have for the people, especially the less fortunate, and I think this is the reason I initially gave Conjee the first, second, and now maybe I will be forced to give a third and final chance,” he stated, hinting at ending the feud with the boxer’s family.
Sonko defended himself after photos of Conjestina emerged on social media, prompting a section of Kenyans to raise concerns over her health.
Veteran sports journalist, Carol Radull also visited the boxer and revealed that she had stayed in Siaya for close to two months with her lifestyle slowly deteriorating.
“When I arrived she was having a bad day but her face lit up when she saw me and we chatted for a long time as best we could. I tried with my layman’s ability to gently encourage her to “clean up her act”. Many have tried to help her but none of us have succeeded in a long-term solution to her predicament. I concede it’s out of my capability.
“What I can do though is be her friend. Visit her when I can. Call her Mum from time to time to check in on them,” Conjestina stated.
Notably, after undergoing rehabilitation in Mombasa, Sonko offered Conjestina a job as one of his closest aides.
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