Unity emphasised as Garissa University College holds memorial for terror victims

One year after armed gunmen stormed Garissa University College killing 148 innocent people and wounding 79 others, the institution has convened a series of events to mark the anniversary of one of the worst terror attacks on Kenyan soil.

Starting with an early morning marathon, followed by an interreligious prayer service and a candle-lit vigil later in the day, the function is meant to pay tribute to the victims of the brutal attack, all the while communicating the hope that the institution harbours for its future.

Garissa University College was closed in the aftermath of the terror attack, but it triumphantly reopened its’ doors on January 4^th 2016, 9 months after the brutal incident.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20HVsxrIECo

All 26 of the teaching staff have returned, with most of the non-teaching staff also making their way back  to the college – a tertiary education institution that was well on its way to becoming the first fully-fledged university in the region.

Despite the enormous setback, the institution has set its eye on this target, with leaders from the college, region and the country voicing their commitment to the goal.

Speaking during the inter-religious prayers, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale emphasised the importance of unity in battling terror.

“We are here one year later to tell the nation and to tell the world that what happened in Brussels, in Paris, in Turkey, in Pakistan and what happened in the country – more so in Garissa University College – can only be fought when we are united globally and as a country,” said Duale.

During the terror attack, the four militants separated Christians and Muslims – a tactic that analysts say was aimed at creating a rift between the two faiths.

Duale, who serves as the Garissa Township MP, was quick to point out that this divisive goal was not achieved as Kenyans are now even more united than ever before.

“Regardless of our political affiliation, our communities, our ethnic and regional balance – Kenya is one. Today all races, all religions, people from all regions are here to mark the memorial on what happened on Thursday, April 2^nd 2015.”

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama was also in attendance at the morning function, together with other political and religious leaders from the region. Many more are expected to attend the unveiling of the memorial which bears the names of the 148 who lost their lives in the attack.