Nairobi, Kenya – Deputy National Assembly Speaker and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei has strongly censured Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo for remarks linking President William Ruto to the 2007 Kiambaa church attack.
Speaking during a panel discussion on TV, Ngogoyo had faulted the President for the recent ACK Witima church attack in Nyeri County, drawing parallels to the Kiambaa tragedy in Uasin Gishu where nearly 250 people were burned to death during the 2007 post-election violence.
“In 2007, a church in Kiambaa was burned down, and there were no survivors. William Ruto was the Member of Parliament at that time. While Ruto is the President today, an attempted assassination,” Ngogoyo said.
Gladys Boss Responds
Shollei dismissed Ngogoyo’s claims as unfair, careless, and politically motivated, arguing that investigations into such matters should be left to established institutions.
“It has become fashionable and gives people bonga points to accuse the President, but that is very unfair and very careless,” she said.
She emphasized that Kenya has clear investigative structures under the 2010 Constitution, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Interior, all of which are currently handling the matter.
“We have institutions in this country. The Interior Cabinet Secretary has called for investigations, the Inspector General has spoken, and IPOA is in place. Let us allow investigations to be completed,” Shollei added.
Defending Ruto’s Role in 2007
The Deputy Speaker further rejected assertions that President Ruto was linked to the Kiambaa church attack during the 2007/2008 post-election violence, insisting he was not at the scene.
“It is very wrong for one to say that by the mere fact that Ruto was an MP for Eldoret North during that period, he is responsible. At that time, he was at KICC defending the vote count for Raila Odinga,” she stated.
Drawing from her experience in preparing Kenya’s reparations framework, Shollei noted that records of victims of post-election violence were formally documented by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission.
“I interacted with the KNHRC when I was preparing the reparations bill. There is a list of those who were harmed, who lost property, and who died. That information was presented in 2018 when my bill was being processed,” she said, urging leaders to “study these things before casting aspersions.”
Rising Political Tensions in Churches
Her remarks come amid heightened concern over political tension in churches, following recent incidents where leaders have clashed verbally during services. President Ruto has himself warned against the politicisation of places of worship, insisting they must remain peaceful and respected.
“The President has already said it is wrong to use the church for politics and violence, and the Interior CS has echoed the same,” Shollei noted.
She also criticised leaders who have vowed not to report incidents to the police, saying such actions undermine the rule of law.
“Leadership demands resilience. You report, make it public, keep a copy of your statement and exhaust all legal channels. You cannot just throw your hands in the air and say you will not go to the police,” she said.
Historical Context
The Kiambaa church massacre in 2007 remains one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s history, where dozens of ethnic Kikuyus seeking refuge were brutally attacked and burned alive. President Ruto was later charged at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over accusations of orchestrating the violence.
In 2016, the ICC threw out the case citing insufficient evidence, though it declined to formally acquit him.
Conclusion
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss’s remarks highlight the sensitivity of linking past tragedies to current political leadership. As investigations into the recent Witima church attack continue, her call underscores the importance of relying on established institutions rather than politicising unresolved historical wounds.
