Gladys Boss Shollei: I Always Find Solace In Music
As humans, we all go through struggles in life that test our resilience and strength. Sometimes, we are unfairly accused of things we didn't do and find ourselves fighting for years to clear our name. We may also experience painful and messy breakups that leave us feeling broken and alone. But one thing that can lift us and inspire us to keep going is music.
I recently talked with Gladys Boss Shollei, Kenya Deputy Speaker and Uasin Gishu county woman rep. She told me how music helped her cope with life's curve balls.
In October 2013, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) removed Gladys from office for what the commission termed as misuse of Ksh 2.2 billion during her tenure as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary. The accusations also included financial mismanagement, insubordination, and misconduct in the line of duty.
Gladys refused to let the false accusations define her. Instead, she fought tirelessly for ten years to clear her name. During this time, she found solace and inspiration in the song Hii Sio Ndoto Yangu by William Yilima. The song's lyrics reminded her that the accusations did not define her. “Hiii sio ndoto yangu. Hivi nilivyo si ndoto yangu. Naenda viwango vingine…Hii siyo ndoto yangu Hapa nilipo si ndoto yangu.. (This is not my destiny. My current situation is temporary. I will rise). Ultimately, Gladys emerged victorious. In February 2022, The Supreme Court ruled that the JSC violated Gladys's right to fair administrative action, for despite making 87 allegations, they failed to validate the reasons behind her firing.
While dealing with the JSC, at home Gladys’s marriage was hanging by a thread, and this made her feel defeated and broken. She found comfort in the song Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton about what it means to be with that special person you've waited for your whole life. At that time, her two children became her rock, and they reminded her that she was not alone.
Finally, Gladys is inspired by the song Mambo Yabadilika by Martha Mwaipaja: The lyrics speak to her about triumph and restoration. “Kati ya watakaofutwa machozi. Nami nimechaguliwa, Kilio changu cha muda mrefu, amekisikia. Hakuna tena cha mikosi: ni kufanikiwa…..ukieleza mambo yangu, eleza ya sasa”
(I have been chosen from those whose tears would be wiped. He has heard my longstanding cries. There are no more troubles: Now it is prospering..when you tell my story, tell not past, mention my present)
Last year Gladys was re-elected to serve as Uasin Gishu County Woman Representative. She was also elected Kenya's Deputy Speaker and a Moran of the Order of Golden Heart recipient.
So, the next time you face a difficult situation, remember you are not alone. Please turn to the music that inspires and uplifts you, and let it fuel your journey toward success. Let the music be your source of strength and inspiration, and never give up on your dreams. As the great musician Bob Marley once said, "One good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain."