Conjestina Achieng's Family Now Begging Leaders For Jobs To Sustain Her Medical Care

Former boxing champion Conjestina Achieng's family has accused Siaya county of neglecting her and asked to be empowered to sustain her medical care.

Conjestina, remembered fondly as 'Hands of Stone', was once ranked number five in the world and became the first African woman to hold an international title. She beat Uganda's Fiona Tugume to take the vacant WIBF middleweight belt.

The boxer earned about Sh250,000 a fight and relied on the sport alone for income. But she fell off the limelight and has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals.

Conjestina's brother William said she has never stabilised as her medical care is inconsistent.

“We received aid a few times but the well-wishers cut it off," he said. "None of the family members is in the formal sector [so they do not earn enough] to sustain her care."

William claimed Siaya leaders have taken them round in circles since 2015.

“I have made several visits to the county government office with the aim of addressing Governor Cornel Rasanga about my sister’s condition. I only managed to talk to him once but he has never fulfilled the promise he made [that year]," he said.

William said Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo was well aware that Conjestina's condition had deteriorated but had never offered them help yet they had asked him for it.

"My frantic efforts to help my sister have borne no fruit and I have given up as no local well-wishers or leaders are willing to help,” he said.

William further said Conjestina's son had been performing poorly at school as his mother's condition is stressful.

"I am contemplating taking him back to school or finding him an income-generating activity. If I take him back to school who will pay the fees?" he asked.

The family said they would not have to rely on well-wishers if the county or a local MP gave one of them a job.

“Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Speaker Alex Magelo and Mama Ida Odinga are among those who have helped us but the question is for how long? We need one of the family members empowered to sort out our problems," he said.

-The Star