Calls for Unity and Coexistence as the University Mark the Second Anniversary of the Attack

Garissa University College on Sunday 2^nd April, 2017 marked the 2^nd anniversary since a terror attack on the institution in which 148 people were killed.

Staff Students gathered at the campus in Garissa where students who survived the attack share stories about their fellow students, many of whom were killed after al-Shabaab militants entered their residence hall.

The institution principal, Prof Ahmed Warfa expressed confidence in the security measures that has been put in place by the government. He said despite what happened two years ago, the university has moved on, and everything is moving in the right direction.

Prof. Irura N’ga’nga, deputy principal underscored the importance of unity saying that selfishness and self-interest will not achieve the change we yearn for. He urged the students, staff and other stakeholders to come together to take this institution to a higher level.

Religious leaders who also graced the event said “we ought not to succumb to terrorist” who are using religion to divide peace-loving Kenyans who have been living side by side for a very long time.

They said Islam is a religion that calls for unity, tolerance, respect and co-existence adding that killing innocent people in the name of religion is not only uncalled for but barbaric.

Garissa county commissioner, Mr James Kianga, who was the guest of honor, urged the students and staff to be the ambassador of the institution. He said “we will not give extremists time and space” to radicalize youth and killed innocent people in the name of religion.

He said the government has engaged religious leaders, the community and other key stakeholders to ensure what happened two years ago should not happened again. He adds that much has been achieved in terms of securing Garissa county.  

Ouma Geoffrey Griffins, one of the survivors said “I will never forget the tragic incident that left his friends and colleagues massacred” saying that he’s still feeling the pain of losing friends in the attack.

He urged the staff, students and the community to be vigilant and work as a team to move the university to the next level. Griffins said he’s happy to be back to his former institution as an intern at the procurement department.

Inter- faith prayer, a 10 km road race organized by Athletic Kenya ( AK ) were some of the activities of the day that was also participated by youth from the community. 

Students from School of Education, Garissa University, Visit Garissa School for the Deaf to show love and compassion to this marginalized group in society. The students, led by Mr. Andabwa, a lecturer at the school of edn, donated biscuits, drinking juice, bread and sweets. They also help the pupils wash their clothes. Smiles were evident on the faces of the pupils following the kind gesture.

Garissa University Library conducted training on E-resources for GUC staff and students. The objectives of the training was to provide and equip both the staff and the students with information on electronic repositories and search skills. staff and the students were taken through advanced search of electronic resources database that will help one search the contents of scholarly journals, magazines etc.

Library Electronic Resources Training Workshop for GUC staff at the Computer LAB, Garissa University. The training was graced by the Principal and his Deputy.Library Electronic Resources Training Workshop for GUC staff at the Computer LAB, Garissa University. The training was graced by the Principal and his Deputy.Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police Omar Abdi Shurie also graced the training for the students with some of his officers, and urged the students to be serious about education, while emphasizing the value of hard work.

some of the Garissa University staff and students pose for a group photo after the E-RESOURCES TRAINING held at Garissa University Computer Lab on 28th February 2017.

U.S Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec signs a visitor's book at Garissa University during his visit to the institution Tuesday, 14 2017. He also paid tribute to students killed during the attack on the institution.