Boxing: Recovering former champion Conjestina Achieng celebrated as Shujaa

FILE PHOTO: Former World Boxing Champion Conjestina Achieng at her home in Yala village, Siaya county in a picture taken on November 02,2018 morning before Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko took her to a rehabilitation Center and treatment. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

As Kenya marked its 59th Mashujaa Day celebrations on Thursday, netizens took to social media to celebrate one of the best boxers Kenya has ever produced, Conjestina Achieng.

Led by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Conjestina who has been undergoing mental treatment looked smiley, happy and elated as she celebrated her 45th birthday at the Mombasa Women rehab centre.

"We celebrated Mashujaa day in style by joining one of our great shujaas Conjestina Achieng for her 45th birthday. This also gave us a chance to share happy moments of the day with lunch, soft drinks, cake cutting, dance & fun with everyone," posted Sonko on his official Twitter.

"Happy birthday Heroine Conjestina and happy Mashujaa to us all, who strive to be heroes/heroines in our little different ways every single day!"

We celebrated mashujaa day in style by joining one of our great shujaas Conjestina Achieng for her 45th birthday. This also gave us a chance to share happy moments of the day with lunch, soft drinks , cake cutting, dance & fun with everyone at the Mombasa Women rehab centre. pic.twitter.com/pzC9Vi9kdw

- Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) October 20, 2022

Kenyans also took to the occasion to commend Sonko for offering to help Conjestina while celebrating her too.

"Conjestina's transformation is impressive. Bug up to the Rehab Center for the excellent job they've done so far. It confirms that with proper care we can indeed transform those who suffer the same challenges. Big up mhesh for the immense support to this legend," said Sammy Juma.

"This is moving! Conjestina looks so good and strong! All it took was Gov. Sonko having faith in her and not telling her God to bless you only but investing in her health and well-being! Look at her today at 45 years! She looks great and Gov. Sonko isn't poorer! God bless you BIG!" said Maria Ngunyi.

The former World Boxing Association middleweight champion has been suffering from mental illness since 2011 when she was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder.

The boxer who hails from Siaya County has since been in and out of hospital for the last decade. In July, Sonko took Achieng' to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Hospital in Miritini for treatment.

Videos and photos of the boxing star had sparked an uproar with Kenyans infuriated at the manner in which the government had abandoned her.

The former World Boxing Council, WBC, middleweight Champion was seen in a sad state in her rural home in Yala, Siaya County.