National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei has opened up about the story behind her unusual name, revealing that “Boss” is not an English word as many people assume but a traditional Kalenjin name.
Speaking during a recent television interview, Shollei explained that the name has deep family and cultural roots. She said it comes from the Kalenjin word “Boset,” which means kipara, referring to baldness.
According to the legislator, the name was inspired by a family trait among the men in her lineage, many of whom experience hair loss at a young age.
“Boss is a Kalenjin name that comes from the word Boset, which means kipara. Most of the men in my family lose their hair by the time they are turning 30,” Shollei explained.
The revelation surprised many people who had always associated the name with the English word used to describe a leader or person in charge.
Beyond sharing the meaning behind her name, Shollei also reflected on her personal journey and how she developed confidence over the years.
She revealed that she was once a shy student who struggled with public speaking and feared appearing before crowds.
“I was not popular in school. I was very shy and terrified of going on stage. I remember the first time I read a poem during parents’ day; I was struggling,” she said.
Shollei added that confidence was something she built gradually through experience and responsibility. She recalled that even when she began working as a university lecturer, she would feel nervous before standing in front of her students.
She said continuous practice helped her overcome fear and become the confident public speaker she is today.
Her story highlights not only the cultural meaning behind her name but also her transformation from a quiet student into one of Kenya’s prominent public figures.