Sonko Clears Air Over Abandoning Conjestina After Uproar
Ex-Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has denied allegations of neglecting boxing sensation Conjestina Achieng’ amidst reports suggesting her health has worsened.
On Friday, the ex-governor took to his social media platforms to reveal recorded phone conversations with Conjestina’s family. In these recordings, he disclosed the circumstances surrounding her departure from his team, citing a misunderstanding as the reason.
According to Sonko, the boxer became angry when he couldn’t arrange a plane ticket for her from Mombasa to Nairobi due to all flights being fully booked.
Conjestina was consequently placed on a bus while Sonko, having obtained his ticket at the eleventh hour, hurriedly took a flight. Meanwhile, his assistants opted for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to travel to Mombasa, as it was the only remaining transportation option.
The former boxer was said to have voiced her dissatisfaction when Sonko’s team arrived at the bus stop to fetch her, insisting on returning home to Siaya.
Conjestina’s son, Charlton, and other family members were alleged to have urged the ex-governor to permit her to return home, where her health further declined.
“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 ex-governor stated that he objected to the family’s choice of bringing Conjestina back from his supervision, expressing concerns about their lack of readiness to effectively monitor her and ensure the continuation of 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 justified his actions in response to the circulation of pictures of Conjestina on social media, which led to some Kenyans expressing worries about her well-being. Renowned sports journalist Carol Radull, who visited the boxer, disclosed that Conjestina had been residing in Siaya for nearly two months, and during that time, her lifestyle had progressively worsened.
“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.
Following her rehabilitation in Mombasa, Sonko extended an offer to Conjestina to work as one of his most trusted assistants.
Sonko Clears Air Over Abandoning Conjestina After Uproar