Students Graduate after worst terror attack at Garissa University

 

Garissa University VC address grandaunt and guest at the University yesterday during the first graduation of the University, abut 400 graduated in the University which was hit by terrorist killing 148 students five years ago. [Standard]

Garissa University students put the pain and anguish caused by a terror attack behind them, as they graduated with various degrees yesterday.

About 400 students graduated in a ceremony that started with a minute of silence to remember the 148 students and security officers killed in the 2015 attack.

Most of the survivors who were government sponsored students were transferred to Eldoret based Moi University.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, who was the chief guest said April 2, 2015 - the day of the attack -was the darkest moment in his political career.

“We will not forget what happened, no challenge is too great not to be overcome, Al Shabaab wanted this university closed, but now this is the fruit of our resilience,” said the Garissa Township MP.

Duale urged the university management to remain innovative and enhance consultations with all stakeholders to ensure up to date interventions in handling insecurity and cases of violent extremism which he said remained a global challenge.

MPs Mohamed Dahiye (Dadaab), Mohamed Hire (Lagdera), Sophia Abdinoor (Ijara) and Garissa Senator Mohamed Yussuf Haji attended the ceremony. 

The University’s Chancellor Helen Sambili appreciated the Government’s efforts to enhance security in and around the university.

“We remember those who lost their lives and their families. The university will remain strong and it will transform this region,” she said.

Security was tight in and around the university with armed security official’s station in various strategic places in Kismayu Road leading to the university.