Eldoret man builds three- bedroom mansion from selling mtumba ties

Almost every reveler who frequents Eldoret nightclubs knows Godfrey Nguawe, 54, the sharp dresser. Nguawe does not show up in bars and clubs to gulp alcohol, but to sell ties. He is a common figure, but has never tasted alcohol, he says. Unknown to many patrons, Nguawe has been in business since 1992 when he arrived in Eldoret from Siaya County.

“When I arrived in this town in 1992, I started hawking tea strainers. After a few months, I went to West market where I found a woman selling bales of second hand clothes but fortunately inside the bales were ties,” said Nguawe.