VIDEO: Boxing star Conjestina Achieng' spotted begging for money in Yala

Former boxing champion Conjestina Achieng’ was spotted in Yala begging for financial assistance from members of the public, in a disturbing video that has since gone viral.

In the video seen by TNX Africa, Achieng’ approaches occupants of a car and asks for help. “Kwani hauna soo kwa mfuko?” she is heard saying.

When asked whether she had anyone who could receive money via M-Pesa and convert it to cash, she said she was alone. “Sina mtu, wazazi wangu walishaaga wote,” she said.

Further asked about the support she previously received from former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Achieng’ said the assistance had since stopped.

“Sonko aliniambia niende. Siku hizi nakaanga tu nyumbani,” she said.

Kenyan man records an encounter with former boxer Conjestina Achieng in Yala. pic.twitter.com/uGmusA9gdl

— KENYA GOSSIP HUB (@kenyasgossips) May 4, 2026

The man in the vehicle, who praised her past boxing achievements, said they could not send money directly but offered to buy her lunch and give her cash instead.

Another person in the vehicle pointed out a nearby M-Pesa shop for withdrawal. One of the occupants then gave her some cash.

Conjestina thanked them and agreed to take photos. The group asked for a handshake and praised her for representing Kenya in boxing during her peak years. “Unajua wewe ulituinua sana,” one of them said.

The driver also requested a photo, and Achieng’ posed in a boxing stance before the video ended. She was dressed in a maroon T-shirt and baggy jeans.

The clip sparked mixed reactions online, coming months after a video posted by Sonko in April 2025 showed her describing her recovery journey and acknowledging his support. “Relapsing is something normal but now I am well and I am working with Mama Amina Rescue Team. Mike Sonko amenisaidia sana,” she said at the time.

On X, users reacted with concern and disappointment. Ndungi KE wrote, “Happy to see the heroine and sad to see the state she’s in.” Tabby added, “Sonko aliamua kuachana na Conjestina ama kulienda aje?”

This revelation marks a harrowing decline for a woman who was once the undisputed face of African women’s boxing.

Known as "Hands of Stone," Achieng’ made history as the first African woman to hold an international title, winning the WIBF Middleweight title in 2004.

At her peak, she was a national icon whose prowess in the ring served as a symbol of Kenyan athletic excellence.

The tragedy of her current situation is deepened by a decade-long cycle of mental health struggles.

Since her diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder in 2011, her life has been a series of highly publicised breakdowns followed by short-lived interventions.

Her story has become a recurring national heartbreak, where flashes of recovery are frequently broadcast on social media, only to be followed by a return to the same dire circumstances.