When the news of a terror attack at the Dusit D2 complex filtered out on January 15, 2019, Inayat Kassam sprang into action rescuing several traumatised survivors.
In a barely buttoned brown shirt, black trousers, sneakers and a pistol in his right arm, Kassam led reservists who collaborated with police in countering the gangsters and rescuing the hundreds of Kenyans and foreigners trapped inside the complex.
He won the hearts of many Kenyans, who noticed almost immediately that the same man had responded to the Westgate Mall terror attack in September 2013.
The Standard reported on Wednesday, October 9, that Kassim was feted with the 60th Anniversary medallion and Plaque by the International Bodyguards Association during a ceremony held in Nairobi on Monday, October 7.
The International Bodyguards Association (IBA) is an international non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1957, operating on 5 continents and more than 50 countries, and is alleged to be the most prestigious bodyguard unit in the world.
The head of the organization General James Shortt from the United Kingdom, while conferring the award stated that Kassim was the first African to receive such an honor.
He further stated that he deserved the award because of his bravery in the face of audacity, not once, but twice.
Kassam is the Managing Director of Scorpio Africa Ltd; a company that provides security management and training in the form of security personnel, unarmed/armed training, and certified firearm training.
He also doubles up as the Kenyan Krav Maga Instructor for the Elite Defense Academy (EDA) and is certified as an Advanced Tactical Shooting Instructor.
According to the EDA website, “Inayat is a fully certified Level 2 Krav Maga Instructor, and holds the rank of Black Belt Level 1 within the EDA Krav Maga System.”
Among the classes and courses, he offers at EDA include H. E. A. T. (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), Response To Active Shooter Scenario, Blade Work Course, Weapon Disarms Course, Arrest And Restraint Procedures as well as Tactical Firearms Training.
Video Courtesy: Citizen TV
