Ngong, Kenya — A young caregiver has been widely praised for his bravery after reportedly confronting a group of armed intruders to protect dozens of vulnerable children at an orphanage in Kenya.
According to accounts that have circulated widely online, 24-year-old Anthony Omari was asleep when he awoke to find six machete-wielding men inside his room at the Faraja Children’s Home, located in Ngong.
The orphanage, which Omari helped run alongside Martha Bosire, was home to 37 children at the time.
Reports indicate that the break-in was not an isolated incident, but the fourth attack on the facility within the same month. Anticipating danger, Omari had kept a hammer under his bed.
When the attackers entered, he reportedly grabbed the tool and charged at them, forcing the group out of the building. However, as he turned back to reassure the frightened children, one of the assailants struck him in the face with a machete.
Despite sustaining a severe injury, Omari managed to lock the orphanage door before collapsing.
He was later treated at a hospital, where doctors administered 11 stitches to close a deep facial wound that left a permanent scar stretching from his forehead to his cheek. He was discharged after two days.
In a move that has drawn admiration, Omari reportedly returned to the orphanage shortly after his discharge, citing concern for the children’s safety.
His story gained international attention after being shared on Reddit by a student appealing for support. The response was swift and overwhelming.
Within days, thousands of donors from across the globe contributed more than $80,000. The funds were used to significantly improve conditions at the orphanage, including installing a secure perimeter fence, hiring guards, and providing proper beds for children who had previously slept on the floor.
Following the incident, Omari reportedly pursued higher education and earned a degree in civil engineering. He has since established his own construction business while maintaining ties with the orphanage and continuing to support the children.