11/10/2026
Kenyan man Anthony Omari became a symbol of courage after risking his life to protect 37 children during an armed attack at Faraja Children’s Home in Ngong, Kenya, in January 2012.
At just 24 years old, Omari was helping care for the children when armed men broke into the compound in the middle of the night. The attackers were carrying machetes, leaving the children terrified and vulnerable.
Instead of running for safety, Omari grabbed a hammer and confronted the intruders.
During the struggle, one of the attackers slashed him across the face, leaving a serious wound that required 11 stitches. Despite the injury, Omari refused to back down.
He continued fighting until he was able to secure the children inside the home and keep the attackers away from them.
The incident also highlighted the security challenges facing Faraja Children’s Home, which had reportedly experienced several break ins in the weeks before the attack.
Days later, American student Ben Hardwick visited the home, met Omari and learned about his bravery. He shared the story online and initially hoped to raise about $2,000 to improve security at the children’s home.
What happened next surprised everyone.
Thousands of people from all 50 U.S. states and 46 countries came together and contributed more than $80,000.
The money helped improve security at Faraja, including strengthening the perimeter and hiring guards, while also supporting the basic needs of the children.
But beyond the money raised, Omari’s actions that night remain the most powerful part of the story.
He was only 24 years old, had no protective equipment and no professional training for confronting armed men. He had only a hammer and 37 children who needed someone to protect them.
He chose to stand.
The wound on his face eventually healed, leaving a scar as a reminder of that terrifying night. But his courage left an even greater mark.
When danger came, Anthony Omari did not leave the vulnerable behind.
Sometimes, a hero is simply an ordinary person who chooses to stand when everyone else is afraid.
