Why was Gladys Shollei chased away from a function this week? Is this going to be the order of the day?
Gladys Jepkosgei Boss, also known as Gladys Shollei, the Kenya National Assembly’s Deputy Speaker, encountered trouble on Thursday. She found herself ejected from a function she had organized in her home county.
Purpose of the Function
The purpose of the function Gladys Boss had organized was to give milk coolers to members of Moiben. Moiben ward is part of the Moiben constituency.
Milk coolers are very beneficial to farmers. This is because once milk is placed in a cooler, its temperature drops to below 4 degrees within half an hour. This means the milk can remain fresh for up to 48 hours.
To the farmers, this means they can transport their milk to markets far from home, where prices may be higher. It also means excess milk can remain fresh longer as buyers arrive at their convenience.
The Thursday function was underway when goons stormed the venue, the Ainabtich Primary School compound in Moiben. They proceeded to cause chaos, and the Deputy Speaker’s security officers had to escort her to safety. Fortunately, it appears nobody was injured in the fracas.
Reason for the Chaos
According to Shollei, she seems to be a threat to some politicians. They view her development efforts as a political strategy to endear herself to the locals.
In their defense, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor, Evans Kapkea, indicated that Shollei’s function was disrupted because she had not informed the Governor’s office.
Is this a Sign of Things to Come?
Gladys Boss is one of President Ruto’s staunchest supporters. The leaders of Uasin Gishu County are also presumably pro-Ruto. The fact that they can fight over a small function more than a year to the General Elections is telling.
While Kenya now seems divided between pro-Ruto and anti-Ruto factions, the lines of division are likely to change as the elections draw near. Instead of focusing on who might become president in 2027, political aspirants are likely to focus on who might capture individual seats.
Trouble might even erupt within individual political parties, as is happening with ODM. Currently, ODM, the party of the late formidable politician, Raila Odinga, is split between the Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground factions.
Over time, interests will become more individualized. Some politicians may even abandon their political parties and leaders. Very likely, they will dispense their energy and finances where their individual interests will be best met.
Ultimately, the choices they make will determine who forms the next government.