Advertisement
Gladys Boss Shollei reveals the surprising meaning behind her ‘Boss’ name
10th July, 2026 04:34 PM
National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei has explained the origin of her name, saying “Boss” is not an English name but a Kalenjin name.
In an interview at a local TV station on Friday, July 10, 2026, she shared the explanation during an interview after being asked about the meaning behind the name.
The interviewer asked whether “Boss” was an English name or a native name. In her response, Shollei said the name has its roots in the Kalenjin language and is linked to her family’s history.
“It is a Kalenjin name that comes from the word Boset. Which means kipara. Most of the men in my family, they lose their hair by the time they are turning 30,” Gladys Boss Shollei said.
She explained that the name comes from the word “Boset” and is connected to a family trait. According to her, many of the men in her family begin losing their hair at a young age, which is where the name originated.
From a shy student to public speaker
Shollei also reflected on her younger years and said she was not always confident speaking before people. She explained that she was shy during her school days and found public speaking difficult.
“I was not popular in school; I was very shy, and I was terrified of appearing on stage. Mpaka I remember the first time I appeared to read out a poem on parents’ day, I was struggling,” Gladys Boss Shollei said.
She added that confidence came with time and experience. According to Shollei, she gradually became more comfortable speaking in front of people as she continued taking on different responsibilities.
“I was not this bold; I have learnt it over time,” Gladys Boss Shollei said.
The Deputy Speaker also recalled her early days as a university lecturer. She said she would feel nervous before teaching her students because she was still young at the time.
“I even remember when I used to teach at the university, I would go to the class to teach; I was very young, I would be terrified, but with time, I got better and better,” Gladys Boss Shollei said.
Her remarks highlighted both the story behind her name and her personal journey from being a shy student to becoming a public leader who now regularly speaks before large audiences.
