Gladys Shollei: From a Teacher to Deputy Speaker & Ruto's Iron Lady

Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei
From Left: Former Judiciary Registrar Gladys Shollei, President William Ruto and Rachel Ruto during the swearing-in ceremony in 2013.
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Uasin Gishu Women Representative Gladys Boss Shollei worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi between 1993 and 1998. Nearly two decades later, she ascended to the position of deputy speaker of the National Assembly.

Shollei clinched the seat after trouncing Daadab MP Farah Maalim in the elections held on Thursday, September 8, adding another milestone to her impressive career. 

She garnered 198 votes while her only competitor got 139 votes to occupy the position as the assistant to the speaker. 

Her career in public service has been akin to a rollercoaster ride with both highs and lows. Shollei graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1991.

 

Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei
National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Women Representative Gladys Shollei during a parliamentary group meeting on September 7 2022, at the Official Residence of the Deputy President in Karen.
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She then proceeded to the University of Capetown where she attained her Master of Laws.

Shollei also holds a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. 

In 2009, she landed her first government role when she was appointed as the CEO National Council for Law Reporting. 

Shollei also had a stint at the moribund Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) where she served as the Deputy Chief Election Officer. 

Her limelight moment was during her time as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary. She was appointed to the role in 2010 after the promulgation of the new Constitution.

She was, nonetheless, dismissed on allegations of gross misconduct in 2013. Shollei challenged her dismissal in court and subsequently managed to clear her name from the allegations. 

Industrial and labour relations court judge Justice Nduma Nderi acquitted her of the criminal charges levelled against her and ruled that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) violated her rights in her dismissal. 

In 2017, Shollei made her comeback- this time as the Uasin Gishu Women Representative and a member of the 12th parliament. 

Ruto's Iron Lady

In the concluded General Election of August 9, Shollei stood out as one of the key figures in the Kenya Kwanza campaign team. She played an active role in the campaigns of incoming President William Ruto in various capacities. 

She was among Kenya Kwanza’s agents at the National Tallying Center in the team led by former Tharaka Nithi Senator Prof Kithure Kindiki.

In the course of the tallying and verification process at Bomas of Kenya, Shollei was captured in several instances engaging the Azimio la Umoja team in a bitter exchange of words. 

She would later reveal that she went for days without sleeping or showering due to her commitment to observing the tallying process.  

The veteran attorney was also part of Ruto’s team of lawyers who defended his win at the Supreme Court petition as well as the team that represented the incoming president at the transition committee led by the head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua. 

Ruto welcomed her election as deputy speaker, stating that he has faith in her ability to serve the country. 

"Your elevation is a clear demonstration of Kenya Kwanza's support. I have tremendous faith that you will serve the people of Kenya with purpose and distinction," Ruto stated. 

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei (centre) holds a piece of paper at the Bomas of Kenya on August 12, 2022.
Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei (centre) holds a piece of paper at the Bomas of Kenya on August 12, 2022.
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