Like Mum, Like Son! Meet Conjestina Achieng’s Son, Charltone Otieno Who is a Boxer
The story of renowned fighter Conjestina Achieng’s descent into obscurity is best conveyed by her 25-year-old son Charltone Otieno.
Conjestina had a promising boxing career during which she represented Kenya with distinction and won medals.
That was before she developed a mental illness and moved in with her Siaya family.
Speaking with the Star, Charltone recalled the moment his mother began displaying symptoms of a mental condition.
“We would go to the gym and train. But one day, we went there and she just sat, doing nothing, and told me she is busy,” he said.
Charltone, who was 16 years old at the time, saw his mother’s condition deteriorate day by day while living with her in Nairobi.
“She locked me in the house, saying there are people after me. I was locked in the house from morning to evening, then she came back with a gift, a bicycle. The next day, she lit a fire in the house, burning her important documents, photos.”
His mother was acting strangely, so he called his grandfather, who came and took her to the hospital.
Conjestina has since been in and out of the hospital, but she hasn’t improved her mental state.
Visits Conjestina at the Diani recovery facility and criticizes others.
After receiving widespread criticism for her state, Sonko flew the former boxing icon to Coast.
Burning her house
On rumors claimed that the boxer had set fire to her Siaya home.
“If she was to burn her house, she would have done it long ago. It was an accident and it was put out but her personal things and clothes burnt down,” Charltone said.
Even though she is mentally ill and confined to a village hut, memories of her glory days are fresh in her head.
“Mum remembers everything. It is only that when she talks to you, she says some irrelevant things. She feels neglected, sometimes she can go to a corner and talk to herself the whole day. On such days she doesn’t eat or even sleep. The next day she is hyper.”
Charltone was raised by a single mother, and he hopes to know his father one day.
“I asked her when I was six years old. She said she will answer me when I’m old enough,” he said.
“I’m now old enough but I can’t ask it, she is not in the right state of mind. I would like to know him, whether dead or alive.”
False promises
While all this was happening, many organisations came forth to pledge support for the ailing star but according to Charltone, very little help came their way.
“People made promises but some were not honest. Maybe they did it for PR. Some had promised to give us a place to stay and maybe cater for some of our bills but that never happened.
“Conje is currently at home in the village…she is recovering,” he said.
Mental illness in Kenya
A staggering 1 out of 4 persons who seek healthcare in Kenya have a mental health condition. Depression is common and there are increasing rates of substance and alcohol use disorders.
