Obituary

Shock as Mombasa Cement Owner Dies Suddenly

Hasmukh Kanji Patel died on Thursday at around 1 pm.

Updated on

August 30, 2024

Hasmukh Kanji Patel, a titan in Kenya’s cement industry and a noted philanthropist, has died unexpectedly, leaving a void in Mombasa’s business and social landscape.

According to his family, Patel, 58, popularly known as Hasu Patel, was confirmed dead at around 1 p.m. at a hospital in Nyali, where he had been rushed after falling ill.

Tudor MCA Samir Bhalooo, speaking for the family, said Hasmukh Mombasa Cement—as he was fondly called by many—had been unwell for two days, complaining of stomach pains.

“It is very sad to announce the death of Mr Hasmukh Kanji Patel. The chief executive of Mombasa Cement has left us,” Bhaloo said.

“He was rushed to Premier Hospital, where he was confirmed dead at the accidents and emergency department,” he added.

The billionaire’s body was later taken to Pandya Memorial Hospital for preservation ahead of burial rites scheduled for Sunday.

“He had a stomachache. It is God’s work. Let’s pray for him,” Bhaloo said.

The death of Patel, eulogised as ‘a man with a big heart’ due to his philanthropic initiatives in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale, elicited an outpouring of grief.

“We are deeply saddened to share that Hasmukh K. Patel ‘Hasu’ the cornerstone of Nyumba Group, has passed away. His blueprints for success and passion for construction will always guide us,” his holding company said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also mourned Patel as a philanthropist who touched the lives of many Kenyans, particularly those at the coast.

“Mr Patel will be remembered for his active participation in society affairs in Mombasa as well as his generous support for the underprivileged,” Nassir said.

“I take this opportunity on behalf of the county government of Mombasa to offer deepest condolences to the family of the departed.”

In 2008, the billionaire launched the Sahajanand Feeding Centre, to address hunger among the poor and vulnerable in the coastal region.

The centre feeds more than 40,000 people daily.

The businessman also transformed the Kibarani dumpsite into a park and adorned it with wild animal statues, investing about Sh700 million in the project.

In 2007, he founded Mombasa Cement, which has since become one of East Africa’s leading cement manufacturers, playing a vital role in regional development and economic growth.

Patel is survived by a widow and three children.