The Civilian Responder – Anthony’s Story
“In a combat situation you cannot entertain the thought of death while at war. For times of armed conflict, it’s the mentality that is instilled.”
After graduating with his BSc in Physics, Anthony Wahome was fortunate enough to find a good job, one that provided him with a pretty decent paycheck. He thought his life was on the intended path – until the police came knocking with an intriguing offer. They were looking for science graduates to enroll into the service and he seemingly fit the bill. The thought of public service intrigued him and he traded in his job for school, joining the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo and graduating nine months later as a constable. It wasn’t long before he was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to the Forensics and Ballistics division where four more years of training certified the born-again Christian as an Inspector.
Anthony’s next position was with the UN in Nairobi where he served as a Close Protection Officer, providing protection to VIPs on mission. It was during this time that the reality of being willing to take a bullet for others became real. Protection services are very different from bodyguarding, forcing one into a mental state where you cannot entertain the thought of death even while at war. After several years with the global body where he trained with security forces from around the world, he decided to open his own security firm. Close protection, sniffer dogs, security for large public events became his mainstay, but the training he received never went away.
On the afternoon of 15th January 2019 Anthony was chatting with a friend who worked at 14 Riverside Drive. Suddenly she mentioned “There’s been an explosion” and the line was soon disconnected. Anthony wondered if it was a minor occurrence but then one of his emergency channels began lighting up with reports confirming that a possible terror attack was taking place at the location.
Though he was all the way on Kiambu rode, he didn’t hesitate in changing his route and heading straight for the location. As a trained security representative he knew that in any disaster situation the first 30-45 minutes were crucial. Arriving at Chiromo he parked his car and ran towards the scene. The sound of gunfire permeated the air confirming all he had heard so far. That however was not his concern, his thoughts were on the people inside the complex and the need to get them out to safety. Once inside the barrier he saw fellow tactician Inayat Kassam and other civilian responders whom he recognized. They mobilized quickly, working in tandem with the GSU officers and Rapid Rescue Unit who were on site, trying to cover as many people as possible as they tried to escape through the line of fire.
Many of the security personnel were known to him as people he had served with while in the police service. The quick nods to each other spoke volumes as he and others worked in the synchronized fashion of individuals who have served in combat situations. Covering each other and those they were evacuating was the most important thing to do in the active shooter setting. Being a licensed firearm holder was but part of the picture, one had to have the requisite knowledge on what to do, how to fall into a chain of command and take instructions from the security in charge. It was this knowledge that enabled Anthony to be of assistance in the threat filled situation.
During the first few hours he worked non-stop with the security services in the evacuation process, playing the words of Psalm 91:7 over and over in his head. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. His training meant he was prepared, his faith kept any anxiety that dared threaten in check. Throughout the siege he maintained his calm – combat mentality had descended.
At some point a friend of his had seen on him TV and knew he must be part of the rescue effort. The friend shared Anthony’s number with his colleagues who were trapped in one of the buildings. Within a short time Anthony’s phone number had been passed round several WhatsApp groups of people still inside and his phone began ringing non-stop. Most of the calls and messages were from those stuck inside, shifting his role to a valuable linkage to the police as he relayed positions and details of people in the various buildings. Among the many messages was ne form his wife – she had also seen him on TV and had one message – “I’m praying for you”.
As darkness fell the operation became solely the purview of the Recce team and all the civilian responders and non-security personnel fell back. It was fine though, he had done what he came to do – save lives. It’s the mantra by which he lives, whether it is an accident scene on a road, or a person choking. His training means that he can be the difference between life and death because he knows if you can stop the bleeding you can save a life and so he willingly steps in to use all that he knows to serve in the only way he knows how – with heart, courage and action.
#KenyaUnbowed
