Unsung Hero: Kenyan Combative Instructor Who Saved Lives at DusitD2, Westgate Terror Attacks Earn Praise from Kenyans

A Kenyan combative instructor has earned praise from Kenyans after turning up to save lives during Tuesday afternoon terror attack at the dusitD2 Complex along 14 Riverside Drive in Nairobi's Westlands area.

Inayat Kassam was among the first people who responded to distress calls to rescue people who were trapped inside the dusitD2 complex.

Kassam was on several occasions captured escorting people he had rescued from the building taken over by heavily armed gunmen.

Interestingly, the licensed gun holder was also at the center of rescue mission during a similar attack at Westgate shopping center in 2013, where 67 people were killed.

Kenyans have taken to social media to praise the man they now describe as a hero and a patriot.

@LabanCliff tweets:" A definition of a true Neighbor. 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."

@Ms_mabila says:" Seeing his picture at different attacks saving lives shows Mr. Inayat Kassam devotion to protecting and love for the fellow human. He is such a selfless citizen. He deserves a HSC! #RiversideAttack."

"Kenya Civilian Firearm owners association Mr. Innayat Kassam, a licensed gun trainer in Africa is one of the people who were first at the #RiversideAttack Scene to rescue lives.
In 2013, he played a similar role during the Westgate Siege.
Jeff Koinange had interviewed him sometimes recently during the 5 anniversary of Westgate attacks. And true to his words in the interview, he is always prepared to help where he can because he is a human being and a Kenyan. And lives matter. The Real hero," Arap Doyo notes.

"Hero of the day.
He was at Westgate and today at Riverside saving lives.
 He is a licensed gun holder. 
He is an expert in weaponry and self-defense.
Inayat Kassam is an experienced combative and shooting instructor, in addition to being an EDA Krav Maga Instructor," Tanga Tanga says.

Kassam has been practicing community policing for more than two decades and is the Chief Executive officer of the Scorpio Group Limited.