Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has again come to the rescue of former Kenyan boxer Conjestina Achieng.
On Saturday, Sonko airlifted the 43-year-old to Nairobi for treatment, a day after she allegedly attempted to burn her house in Gem, Siaya County due to frustrations she is facing in life.
“She will undergo a medical check-up and doctors will determine if she will be taken back to the rehab,” Sonko said.
The former World International Boxing Federation (WIBF) middleweight champion was having a successful career before she fell ill about 10 years ago. She was diagnosed with Schizo-affective disorder, also known as paranoid schizophrenia.
Since then she has been in and out of mental institutions seeking to improve her mental well-being. In 2012, Conjestina was admitted to Mathari Mental Hospital after she relapsed in a psychotic episode that left her parents distraught.
In 2018, Sonko airlifted her to Nairobi where she underwent treatment and was later taken to rehab in Kabete. It is believed that her mental health problems are a result of the trauma she got from the hits she took while she was still a pugilist.
Congestina is a two-time World Boxing Council middleweight title winner. She also won World Boxing Federation, Global Boxing Union, and World Boxing International Federation titles.
Great to help! However, I do…
Great to help! However, I do not think schizoaffective disorder is the same as paranoid schizophrenia. They are 2 different dx. Though they are both characterized by psychosis (both positive and negative symptoms of psychosis such as delusions, paranoia, agitation, anhedonia, amotivation, hallucinations etc.) schizoaffective is mood or affect related dx but accompanied by some psychosis. It is classified as bipolar type or depressive type. On the other hand, schizophrenia stands on it own. Both are severe mental illness and continuous treatment is paramount. Continued untreated psychosis continues to impact cognition and processing capability and any time one has a break, the brain does not resume it earlier capacity/baseline. Such people are more vulnerable to end up with dementia. It is therefore important that continuous support/treatment is provided by having the patient keep up with meds, be supported with reducing daily life stressors, continue to be involved in meaningful activities, and supported by being guided with daily living tasks and structure especially when not well or under stress. This helps so that they can continue to utilize their cognition and focus and re-learn skills they are losing when with a psychotic episode (psychiatric rehabilitation). They do get better and function but need continuous support and treatment.
Sonko is better than most…
Sonko is better than most UGLY hyperbole tribalist kings using their PEOPLE to enrich THEMSELVES. THESE SOULLESS ALSO CARE MANY ARE DEAD PROVIDED STATUS QUO REMAINS WHERE THEY USE AND ABUSE OTHERS.
Its good to see Sonko…
Its good to see Sonko despite his mounting legal problems can find time,and a shilling to help the needy… Could be “penance”…but,Yes say what you may about this man, it takes a good heart to do a good deed.
If a system were in place to help our athletes who have shone Kenya’s name on the globe,Sonko would not have to necessarily step up.But could still take an active role in their welfare. My two cents.
What about those suffering…
What about those suffering from the same illness in Kisumu and are not famous? Let all Kenyans have access to healthcare instead of politicians who have stolen public money airlifting the famous.