The late Mombasa Billionaire Hasmukh Patel's final journey was as unpretentious as his simple life. This industrialist and philanthropist owned one of Kenya's largest business empires, including Mombasa Cement Limited.
Patel's modest send-off on Sunday, September 1 brought Mombasa city to a standstill as his body was paraded through the streets in a funeral procession. The 58-year-old business mogul, who passed away on Thursday, August 29, after a brief illness, was laid to rest in a manner that reflected the simplicity he valued in life.
Patel's Lifeless Body Seated
Patel's body was seated on a decorated chair placed atop a truck, which made several stopovers throughout the city as part of the final rites. The journey began at around 9 am when his remains were taken from the Pandya Hospital mortuary, with stops at various temples where flowers were showered upon him as a mark of respect.
Hasmukh Patel's Burial wish
A close relative explained that Patel, affectionately known as 'Hasu' or simply 'Mombasa Cement', had expressed a wish to be laid to rest as humbly as he had lived, surrounded by those he had supported during his lifetime.
Uncommon Burial In Kenya But Common In India
Naran Mepani, a religious leader at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple, noted that while this type of funeral might be uncommon in Kenya, it is a tradition in India, meant to reflect a person's status in society. "The late was not just anyone; he was like a king," Mepani said. "That's why flowers were thrown at him at various temples. It's a sign of respect. We have lost a king." The hearse carrying Patel's remains was accompanied by 18 of his immediate family members. Hundreds of individuals with disabilities, whom Patel had supported through his charitable work, formed part of the convoy, many in their wheelchairs.
Mepani, chairman of the Shree temple, mentioned that the hearse was adorned with flowers to demonstrate the people's love and admiration for Patel.
The procession made its way to Patel's home in Nyali, where close family members and staff gathered for a final farewell. True to his unassuming nature, his house was modest, reflecting no luxury typically associated with billionaires.
Hasmukh Patel's Final Respect
Patel was given his final respects at Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj in Nyali, Mombasa County, with his body expected to be cremated later in the day.
