A view of Nakuru town where Abdalla Azubedi owns several properties. [Photo: standard]On July 16, 2003, there was a heated debate in parliament between two well built and knowledgeable men dressed in dashing suits. One of the men was the then Nakuru Town MP Mirugi Kariuki. The other was Mr Orwa Ojode.
Ojode was the serving assistant minister for Lands and Settlement.
The day's hansard report captures Mirugi demanding to know who owns a piece of land in Nakuru's CBD that was under ownership tussle between traders and a local businessman.
Mirugi wondered how a man had come out of the blue to claim a piece of land that was next to the wholesale market where traders had operated from for up to 15 years.
But Ojode had the answer right with him: the current owner of plot No LR Nakuru Municipality Block 10/197 is Mr Said Abdalla Azubedi.
And that is it, chances are if you are in Nakuru, buying a soda in a stall, pampers, taking tea or doing shopping at a supermarket you are under the roof of Mr Azubedi.
Or just stand within Nakuru's CBD and point to any building and ask who owns it, chance are you will be told: Azubedi!
Mr Azubedi's name in Nakuru is so big that even cartels know he is untouchable.
Heowns several properties in Nakuru, from the famous Gikomba units, which houses hundreds of traders, to other big buildings housing supermarket outlets.
According to those who know the quiet man, he came to Kenya long time ago and is among the pioneer asians to have businesses in Nakuru.
But what strikes most about Azubedi is his lifestyle. You would easily pass the man for a mzungu who chewed his wealth at the coast and now lives a squalor life.
When you enter into his cafe opposite the Kaptebwa stage, he sits at the counter, his eyes dart across his employees serving customers.
Despite his massive wealth, he lives a humble life.
You would even confuse him for a mtu wa mkono, but he is the boss!
A tenant at the Gikomba stalls said at one point he thought he was being conned when he was told to hand over rent to the mzee.
"But I came to learn he is the owner, and he has a very sharp mind," the tenant said.
Efforts to have an interview with Azubedi were futile!