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Former Kenyan boxing sensation Conjestina Achieng' on Thursday embarked on a new assignment hours after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko offered her a job in his security team.
Dressed in white, Conje, as she is popularly referred to, was seen walking behind Sonko, firmly clasping his briefcase.
She then proceeded to open the car door for the former governor, before jumping in in style, as a seasoned bodyguard.
On Tuesday this week, Sonko had promised Conjestina that he would give her a job at the Salama Bling Resort, where she would work as the head of security, shelving the initial plan of employing her at the International Club Volume.
He, however, stated that he would not allow the former boxer to go back to Siaya lest she falls back into substance abuse.
"Conje will be the gym instructor and head security at Salama Bling Beach resort, Kanamai. Together with her sister, coach and son, we inspected the hotel that she'll be working at and they all agreed.
"She will now be making a living in order to support her family, lakini tumeelewana na wao kwamba Siaya hatarudi tena atakuwa anaenda kusalimie under supervision na kurudi," Sonko said.
Sonko has been instrumental in Conjestina's journey back to sobriety and she was thankful to be granted a second chance to prove herself.
"I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life and grateful to Governor Sonko for giving me this opportunity. I will work hard to make him proud," she said.
In mid-2022, Conjestina's son Charltone Otieno reached out to Sonko, highlighting the troubles his mum was going through.
He wanted his mum to be taken to rehab and sought help from the former governor before things got out of hand.
"I request if you can give any kind of support. We wish to take her back to rehab again so she can regain her shape.
"We have been advised to take her for prayers and we believe it's going to work," said Charltone at the time.
Sonko, on his part, said he was saddened by the plight of Conje and hit out at leaders who have neglected Conjestina despite being one of the sports legends of the country.
True to his word, Sonko ensured she got treatment at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network, Miritini, and recently organized a bout to celebrate her.
"Conje's story is one of a fighter's spirit that refuses to be extinguished. Despite facing personal challenges and setbacks in life, she has emerged back stronger and more determined than before.
"Throughout her rehabilitation journey, Conjestina has shown incredible strength, both physically and mentally. Her unwavering commitment to better herself has inspired a lot of youths that were almost giving up in life," he said.
