The story of Congestina Achieng is bitter-sweet considering she was once known as the pride of Kenya internationally through boxing.
In early 2002, Congestina made headlines by ranking Kenya top on the international map in boxing. Over the years, however, her general health has deteriorated encumbered with bankruptcy and drug addiction.
This has been attributed to the failure in government systems to protect and sustain their heroes after retirement.
Congestina’s son, Charlton Otieno has however taken pride in his mother’s efforts and successes in the boxing industry intimating that she is still a hero, whether famous or not.
In an interview with a local publication, the 25-year-old who is an aspiring professional boxer, a personal gym instructor, a scout leader, a footballer, and a dancer revealed that nothing can erase the gains of his mother.
For instance, he says he picked boxing at a very early age from his mother. This, he adds has played a good role in boosting his confidence in the sport as he started when he was aged 5.
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“My mother started training me from an early age. Actually, she started boxing when I was 4 years old and she introduced me to the boxing world when I was 5 years old. I didn’t take boxing as a career because my mother was a boxer. Rather, I started boxing because I believe I have the talent,” he said.
Regarding starting professional boxing, Charlton revealed that he is yet to get the necessary support to jumpstart his career and follow in his mother’s footsteps.
Currently, Charlton revealed that Congestina is not stable and still needs a post-rehab treatment plan.
Last year, videos and photos of a deteriorating Congestina made headlines as Kenyans came to her rescue with food supplies, money and other pledges.
She was checked into a rehabilitation center for her drug addiction but it was not sustainable as she relapsed immediately after leaving rehab.
