The body of the late Patel left the Pandya Memorial Hospital morgue at 8 am and was taken around the about five Hindu temples in Mombasa
The body of the late billionaire investor and owner of Mombasa Cement, Hasmukh Patel, also known affectionately as Asuu Patel, was spotted in a sitting position during the funeral procession to cremate him, an unusual event from corpses lying inside caskets.
The body of the late Patel left the Pandya Memorial Hospital morgue at 8 am and was taken around the about five Hindu temples in Mombasa, navigating various streets of the city as residents thronged to pay their last respects to the benevolent billionaire.
His contribution to transforming lives will remain etched in the minds of residents, and Patel was, to some, an ordinary businessman who was keen to contribute to the economy but to most residents, he was an uncelebrated hero who was the hope of many people, hence the reason his body was taken around.
Mombasa Cement Limited owner and director Hasu Patel supplies water to Mombasa Residents in 2021. /MOMBASA CEMENT
According to his family, the move to have the deceased seated symbolises his eternal presence with them.
“Mzee will not be lying, he will be seated. A sign that he is not gone completely but still with us somehow. He will be watching,” a family member explained.
Prior to cremation, his body was taken to his charity offices opposite the Royal Court Hotel from where he helped needy residents.
The procession began at Pandya, transported through Moi Avenue, and made the first stop at the first temple he funded. Prayers were expected to be said before proceeding to the next temple. “There will be a five-minute stop for prayers before proceeding to the next temple,” a family member stated.
Later, the procession stopped at a temple opposite Royal Court Hotel where thousands of needy residents used to seek help.
“There will be a longer stop here because it is also where he used to sit in the evenings after work to witness how his charity services were being conducted,” a family member added.
The other temples where the body was taken were in Nyali, making the last stop at New Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj Hall along Links Road where the service is expected to be conducted. It is at the same venue where his son held a wedding ceremony.
Family members were the only ones who were allowed to witness the removal of the body to the crematorium where a Hindu priest and senior family members would conduct the cremation ceremony, known as the ‘mukhagni.’
Before his demise, Patel owned Mombasa Cement and had been running several charity projects in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.
The deceased lived a quiet life but his work spoke volumes. In his admission, Patel, popularly known as Hasu, said “I’m a low-profile guy and I don’t think many people knew my face”.
Reports indicate that President William Ruto will attend the funeral before flying to China in the evening.
Other top-flight leaders are set to attend the funeral including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba, and Mvita MP Masoud Machele.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir with the late billionaire Hasmukh Patel during a past meeting at the govenor’s office. /ABDULSWAMAD NASSIR
