NTV Reporter Silas Apollo recounts horrific ordeal during Dusit attack after hiding for over 10 hours

NTV Reporter recounts horrific ordeal during Dusit attack after hiding for over 10 hours

January 16, 2019 8:36 AM

He was rescued with at least 50 other survivors

The scene outside Dusit Hotel

Nation Media Group Journalist attached to NTV Silas Apollo and his Cameraman Dickson Onyango were rescued from the Dusit attack after almost 12 hours of hiding in the Toilet.

Daily Nation reports that the two had gone to interview some of the members of the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA) at their Grosvenor Suite offices in Riverside when the attackers struck at around 3:15pm.

At around 4am, the NTV crew were rescued with at least 50 other survivors from the first floor of the building.

NTV Reporter Silas Apollo Pulse Live Kenya

In his narration after the rescue, Apollo described the ordeal as horrific, as they were forced to change positions moving from toilets while crawling or lying on the floor to the main hall.

He added that from their hideouts they could hear the exchanges between the attackers and security officers.

Terrified

Earlier on Apollo had shared information in a WhatsApp Group on how he was scared, following gunshots that could be heard all over the building.

undefined Pulse Live Kenya

“They have been combing the building and shooting aimlessly. It’s too scary to imagine. I’m inside the building, which is under attack. It’s real guys. Had gone to interview CRA guys, I’m too scared for my life"

“It’s silent now, though we can hear somebody trying to break the doors. We don’t know where the attackers are and what they are up to,” reads his 4:40pm post.

“We are crammed inside the toilet with a number of guys. I’m very scared,” added Apollo.

Events at Dusit Hotel and office complex. Pulse Live Kenya

14 Riverside Drive

On Tuesday, the National Police Service warned the public to avoid the 14 Riverside Drive as it was still a crime scene.

A statement shared on their official Twitter account, stated that the area is under active security and therefore anyone who is not actively involved in the operation should avoid the area.

“We wish to caution all members of the public including politicians that Dusit Hotel and the area around 14 Riverside Drive is a Crime Scene that is under an active security operation. Until it is declared safe, everyone not actively involved in the operation should avoid the area.” reads a Tweet from National police service.