GARISSA – At least 147 people have been confirmed dead in the Garissa University College attack, described as the worst in the country’s history. Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, speaking at the scene, said the dead were mostly students at the University and a few police officers and guards.
He said the four terrorists had been killed by Kenyan security forces, ending the siege that has left the country on the edge. He added that 79 people were injured in the dawn attack and those in critical condition had been airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment. Others are receiving treatment at Garissa Level Five Hospital.
He said National Youth Service will send buses to evacuate students tomorrow and take them to their homes as the government takes control of the security situation. Mr Nkaissery condoled with the families of those who perished in the attack. “I send my personal condolences to the families of those who have died in the attack,” the CS said.
Students who survived the attack said the gunmen stormed the campus around 5am as they did their morning prayers and started shooting indiscriminately. The siege was almost a replica of the 2013 Westgate Mall attack that left about 70 dead after four days of a tension-packed siege.
The attack has left many questions unanswered with reports that there had been warnings of Al Shabaab attack on public universities. In fact, the University of Nairobi recently raised the red alert through a memo warning of a possible attack. Fears have heightened as Kenyan Christians begin the long Easter weekend. Al Shabaab has often targeted churches.
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