On Tuesday,Inayat Kassam was among the first responders at Riverside helping save hundreds of victims.
He is licensed gunholder, a firearms instructor, training people on how to hand rifles, especially for close-range shooting.
Kassam runs self-defence classes for individuals, security firms and corporate entities.
He is the only licensed rifle handling trainer in Africa outside South Africa.
He is on top of the security officials receiving praise for boldly risking his life without even a bullet proof jacket for the love of Kenya and Kenyan people.
Many Kenyans have taken to twitter to salute him sending big up and thank you messages.
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
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
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
If the government was truly serious about honouring actual Kenyan heroes, Inayat Kassam would be top of the list.
But instead, we watch in shame as Head of State Commendations are awarded to people for queuing while carrying githeri in polythene bags. #RiversideAttack
— Yuri (@ArcherMishale) January 15, 2019
#Nairobi #RiversideAttack #NairobiAttack On behalf of other Kenyans, I say Thank u, God bless u Inayat Kassam. pic.twitter.com/w2y6nEHdsy
— Daveson Kiptoo (@Daveson_binzari) January 15, 2019
The one courageous ,selfless undisputed kenyan we’re damn proud of you ,thank you Inayat Kassam. #InayatKassam pic.twitter.com/mNDhgvh5Di
— Kemboi Justin™?? (@kemboijustinn) January 16, 2019
Gun in hand and no bullet-proof jacket, Inayat Kassam braved gunshots and blasts at 14 Riverside Drive that was attacked on Tuesday.
But this was not his first time facing terrorists head on.
Kassam participated in evacuating hostages at Westage Mall when it was attacked in 2013.
Speaking to Citizen TV last year during the fifth memorial of Westage attack, Kassam said his instincts drive him to respond to difficult situations.
Asked whether he ever thinks about his life and safety as he get to the risky scenes, an emotional Kassam said “yes I do, but the drive to rescue more lives is more”