Nairobi superhero shows up (again) to join fight against Riverside attackers
His face has been splashed on local and international papers as he gallantly rescued and directed survivors of the Tuesdays attack at 14 Riverside complex.
Meet Inayat Kassam, the man who saved lives during the Westgate attack in 2013 and on Tuesday stepped up again to be among the first responders.
Kenyans across the country have been paying glowing tribute to Mr Kassam, calling him a hero for his selfless sacrifice to rescue victims trapped in Dusit D2 Hotel.
On 21st September 2013, after four masked gunmen attacked Westgate shopping mall and killed at least 67 people, he was among the first people who rushed to the scene of attack
Mr Kassam is not a police officer. He is a licensed firearm holder and a security instructor who trains people on how to use weapons at a shooting range.
COMBATIVE TRAINING
According to his bio, Kassam offers classes, courses, and workshop training in Nairobi. In addition, he offers combative and survival training.
They include H. E. A. T. (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), Carjacking – Mitigation and survival, Response To Active Shooter Scenario and Unarmed Personal Preservation (Advanced, offered on EDA Krav Maga platform) among others.
He is an experienced combatives and shooting instructor, in addition to being an EDA Krav Maga Instructor.
Mr Kassam is the Managing Director of Scorpio Africa Ltd based in Nairobi.
His team provides security management and training in the form of security personnel, unarmed/armed training and certified firearm training (based upon the ITA South African curriculum).
He is certified as an Advanced Tactical Shooting Instructor with ITA, and has also trained with various entities such as SKOPOS, ACT, and AMOK over the course of the last 9 years.
Here is how Kenyans described Kassam and what they want the government to do to recognise his service.
A definition of a true Neighbour. He saved lives during the Westgate attack & today he risked his life for others.
May the selfless act of Kenyans like Inayat Kassam, inspire us all to go beyond our call of duty to serve God and country. pic.twitter.com/3hC4Yfhy3A
— Laban-Cliff Onserio (@LabanCliff) January 15, 2019
The real definition of a true hero …..
We celebrate you Inayat Kassam for your incredible effort to save the lives of many Kenyans during the attack.
BRAVO! BRAVO! pic.twitter.com/zlPgp2bCBJ— Mary Kimeli (@mary_kimeli) January 16, 2019
This man Inayat Kassam deserves a State Commendation. pic.twitter.com/dnjeHwG3qF
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) January 16, 2019
Everyone’s asking “Who’s this man?”
His name is Inayat Kassam, an experienced combatives and shooting instructor. He was one of the first responders at the scene. #RiversideAttack pic.twitter.com/GH8OfNOfE7
— Yuri (@ArcherMishale) January 15, 2019
I CELEBRATE you my good friend Inayat Kassam!!..A True HERO!!..Kenya is PROUD of You!!!#KenyaAttack #WeShallOvercome #PrayForKenya #RiversideAttack #InayatKassam pic.twitter.com/GYShFsp2I0
— Jeff Koinange, MBS (@KoinangeJeff) January 16, 2019
The moment Mr #InayatKassam reassured that lady with ‘Not today sister,you are not dying today’ I was so proud of him even when I hadn’t known his name
We celebrate you! #WeWillPrevail pic.twitter.com/yvWljRPbFZ
— Abu Sakeena (@FauzKhalid) January 16, 2019
This Man INAYAT KASSAM risking his life without even Bulet proof jacket for the love of Kenya and Kenyan people.
Big up sir !! ????#Weshallovercome pic.twitter.com/owIfGc5a6A— Mr cheboiwo (@mrcheboiwo) January 16, 2019
Seeing his picture at different attacks saving lives shows Mr. Inayat Kassam devotion to protecting and love for fellow human. He is such a selfless citizen. He deserves a HSC! #RiversideAttack pic.twitter.com/j36xF4HeKq
— Millie Abila (@Ms_mabila) January 16, 2019
Inayat Kassam A true HERO.
May God Bless you Abundantly. pic.twitter.com/5xvBpt4dfi
— Ajmal Ofweneke (@ofwenekenyawawa) January 16, 2019
Inayat Kassam you are truly a Hero. Thank you for your acts of bravery during #WestgateAttack & #RiversideAttack.You deserve more than a State Commendation. May God bless you abundantly. pic.twitter.com/CZ7Zx96JFl
— Alex Menjo (@AlexMenjoh) January 16, 2019
This man Inayat Kassam can’t stop risking his own life to save Kenyans in time of need. The hero was at the Dusit D2 hotel to rescue people trapped inside the facility.. pic.twitter.com/uChqMFEU2B
— wanjiku wachira (@dharmasheecoh) January 16, 2019
Meet Sir Inayat Kassam, an experienced combatives and shooting instructor. He was one of the first responders at the scene during the 14 Riverside Drive attack just like he was during the Westgate attack.
This is a true hero..Thank-you for saving many lives@KenyanTraffic pic.twitter.com/XoikT41tax— Kamandaloves (@kamandaloves) January 16, 2019