A British man who offered himself as a hostage to save the lives of a group of children was today described by colleagues as a 'born leader'.
Mitul Shah, 38, a sales executive from London attempted to strike a deal with the terrorists, replacing children with himself, a heroic act which gave several victims vital time to escape.
The selfless father did not get through to the gunmen and was shot alongside a number of children in the Kenyan tragedy, leaving behind his wife and two-year-old daughter.
Today his employers, the cooking oil company Bidco Oil, and his work colleagues spoke of their grief at his loss.
The firm said in a statement: ‘He was a born leader and an inspiring soul loved by one and all.’
Mr Shah, who was born in April 1975 in North London, held dual British and Kenyan citizenship.
After going to school in Kenya, he studied management science with computing at Kent University in Canterbury, Kent and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree.
He then joined Bidco Oil Refineries in Kenya as a management trainee and worked his way up to become a team leader in the marketing department.
Mr Shah, who leaves a widow, Rupal, and daughter Sarai, was killed moments after he was helping 33 children taking part in a TV cooking contest on the roof of the Westgate centre in Nairobi.
The event was being sponsored by his company.
One of the directors of Bidco, Dipak Shah, said today that his family and colleagues were all devastated.
He said: ‘He was trying to negotiate the freedom of the children in order for him to be taken as a hostage.
’Some had managed to save their lives, but unfortunately he, and others, did not.
’It was a heroic and brave act - a true reflection of his soul. He was a wonderful person who always went out of his way, beyond the call of duty, to help others.’
Work colleagues paid tribute to Mr Shah on the internet.
One, named Alkane, wrote: ‘He is a real hero and had an option to run away but he opted to become a saviour of kids without wasting a second.
‘This says it all about Mitul. I salute him for his decision. I am very much thankful to God that I had an opportunity to spend time with such great soul.’
Mr Shah's workmate Roberts Libosso said: ‘He touched every one of us through his warm affection and sensitivity coupled with brilliant leadership skills.
’Mr Shah was a born leader - the circumstances surrounding his death fit the above qualities because he was concerned about the lives of the children whom he could not leave behind.’
A third friend, Sarah Njeru, said: ‘I cannot even begin to describe the loss, the sadness, the love, the hole in our heart.
‘I want to see my office extension screen say 'Mitul calling' but I can't. We will forever cherish you. Rest In Peace boss.’
sourceOlokunbolablessing.blogspot.com/2013/09/revealed-how-hero-british-father-died.html
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