A sharp debate has ensued after Chris Craighead, an ex- British Special Air Service (SAS) soldier released a sneak preview of his book “One Man In” detailing the Dusit D2 attack.
The Dusit D2 Complex terror attack in 2019 catapulted Craighead to fame but his new book has sparked controversy among Kenyans.
In his snippet, he paints himself as a hero detailing that he acted fast when a British friend of him informed him of the attack.
In his book that is yet to be released, Craighead seemingly praises himself for “singlehandedly” pursing the terrorists who were in the complex.
The former SAS soldier said that he tried to contact the Kenyan authorities but none of his calls were unanswered.
He would then load his truck with weapons and drove to the scene where he pursued the terrorists bravely.
A snippet of the book states that Chris within minutes of receiving a call from a friend who was also a former British Soldier hoped on his truck with weapons to the scene. He adds that he attempted to reach the Kenyan government on the same but his calls went unanswered.
“Within minutes, Chris was in his pick up truck with his weapon case at the back of the seat, dodging vehicles and pedestrians as he raced to the scene. He attempted to reach anyone he could within the British and Kenyan governments to figure out what was going on. Nobody answered, He was on his own, and operating without orders” the snippet reads in part.
It goes on: “At first on his own, and later as the leader of a small, rag-tag group of soldiers and civilians, Chris moved through the complex where hundreds of innocent hotel staff, guests, and office workers were still trapped.
“After clearing buildings and shepherding people to safety, he located the terrorists. A battle of guns, grenades, and tactics ensued. Chris and his men made it out. The terrorists did not.”
His representation as the “only hero” angered a section of Kenyans who said that the terrorists were pursued successfully through joint effort by Kenyan forces.
“Today in caucasity from the mountain of caucus. Remember SAS soldier Chris Craighead from the Dusit attack? A book’s been published about him being the white hero we all needed who singlehandedly saved the day,” Mariga Thoithi said.
“Kenya lost soldiers in this but it was one man in that saved the day? Where was he during Westgate to equally help us? Maybe the author of this didn’t count on the book reaching Kenya but the government should demand a retraction, this is disrespectful,” Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz added.
Twenty-one people lost their lives as a result of the attack at the complex. Others were left with injuries which reminds them of the harrowing ordeal in the hands of armed terrorists and a suicide bomber.