Why body of philanthropic Mombasa mogul was paraded in the streets

Billionaire Hasmukhbhai Kanji Patel had one final wish: to be seen by the people of Mombasa who benefitted from his philanthropy but never met him.

Patel, the owner of Mombasa Cement, was paraded through the streets of Mombasa, allowing both the rich and poor to see the man who had spent millions of shillings helping those in need.

In life, Patel was a reclusive industrialist, known for his significant influence which attracted both political figures and businesspeople. Yet, he was most celebrated for his charitable work, including providing bursaries, covering medical and burial expenses, and offering food to street families.

On Sunday, Mombasa witnessed a unique spectacle as Patel’s body, dressed in his iconic Kaunda suit, was displayed on a flower-adorned pickup truck. Instead of being in a casket, his body was seated, complete with a red dot on his forehead symbolizing his faith.

The city came to a standstill as the 58-year-old "man of the people" was given a king's send-off according to Hindu tradition. The procession began at Pandya Memorial Hospital on Mombasa Island, showcasing the body along Nyerere Avenue, Moi Avenue, Railway Road, and to his charity office on Haile Avenue for brief prayers.

Many found the full-body display to be the most intriguing aspect of the funeral procession. Patel had struggled with colon cancer, and according to his close friend and Personal Assistant Imtiaz Sayani, he wanted to be seen by the common people who never met him during his lifetime.

“It was his wish that all the people see him because most of them didn’t know him as he was camera shy. He never wanted cameras around, even his staff were not allowed to boast about the charity work,” Sayani explained.

Sayani also clarified that the chair Patel was seated in during the parade was also his bed, where he had slept for over five years. He admitted it was his first time witnessing a deceased person being paraded while seated and explained that the family chose to cremate him sitting on his favourite chair, as per his wish.

Patel is survived by his mother, wife, three children, and two adopted children from his late brother. Sayani emphasized that this practice was not a part of Hindu culture but a personal wish of Patel’s.

He added, “In Hindu culture, the dead are usually laid down. The chair was not just for sitting but also served as his bed due to his illness.”

Patel had also requested three days of mourning and for his business empire to continue as usual, despite the customary 30 days of mourning. Sayani assured that Patel’s philanthropic work would continue through the foundation he established, although some initiatives might be paused.

“He was beloved by all, and people cried for him. He was unmatched in his humility and generosity,” Sayani said. “His children, who are well-nurtured and prepared to continue his legacy, reflect his character.”

Nancy Jura, a resident, remarked, “I have never seen a funeral like this. It was unusual to see the full body displayed in the streets.”

Spiritual leader Naran Mepani explained that Patel’s seated position was a mark of respect typically reserved for individuals who had attained a king-like status in the Hindu community. “We placed him on a chair to honour his contributions to society, especially his work with the poor,” Mepani said.

Mepani also noted that Patel was the first in the community to be honoured in such a manner before burial. “He is dressed in his beloved blue Kaunda suit, which he wore while serving the people of Mombasa,” he added.

Historically, such public displays of the dead were last seen with the passing of Cabinet Minister Emmanuel Karisa Maitha in 2004, whose body was viewed in a coffin rather than displayed publicly.

On Sunday, Patel’s procession continued to his home in Nyali through Abdul Nasser Road, Fidel Odinga Road, and Links Road. After a brief stop at home, the convoy proceeded to the Cutch Leva Samaj Patel Centre for a funeral service attended by a diverse group of people.

Political leaders lauded Patel for his compassion and generosity. In a speech delivered by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, President William Ruto praised Patel for his commitment to the poor and his environmental efforts. Ruto highlighted Patel’s contributions to the Sahajanand Special School in Mtwapa and his food security project at Galana Kulalu in Kilifi County.

Other leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, remembered Patel for his unmatched generosity.

The convoy, which included vehicles from Mombasa Cement, proceeded to the Hindu crematorium at Buxton for the final rites. Patel’s funeral was attended by a large crowd, including both the wealthy and the impoverished.

According to the family, Patel established the Mombasa Cement factory in 2007.