Garissa University College Attack
Terrorist Attack on University
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Garissa, Kenya
TIME PERIOD
April 2, 2015
VICTIMS
148 confirmed
On April 2, 2015, gunmen affiliated with the terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of 148 individuals and injuring at least 79 others. The assault began at approximately 5:30 AM local time, during which the attackers took over 700 students hostage, specifically targeting those identified as Christians while releasing Muslim students. The siege concluded the same day with the deaths of all four attackers. In the aftermath, five men were arrested in connection with the attack, and a bounty was placed on a suspected organizer. This incident marked the deadliest attack in Kenya since the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and is recognized as the most lethal mass shooting in the country's history.
The attack was motivated by Al-Shabaab's opposition to Kenya's involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia and a strong anti-Christian sentiment, as evidenced by the gunmen specifically targeting Christian students while releasing Muslims. There is speculation that the attackers were part of a larger network, as five men were later arrested in connection with the incident and a bounty was placed on a suspected organizer. Additionally, some believe the attack was intended to provoke further violence and unrest in Kenya, exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions.
The Garissa University College Attack: A True Crime Narrative
A Dark Dawn in Garissa
On the morning of April 2, 2015, the serene atmosphere of Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, was shattered by the sounds of gunfire and chaos. At approximately 5:30 a.m., masked assailants wielding AK-47s and strapped with explosives stormed the campus, targeting students in a brutal act of terrorism. The attackers, claiming allegiance to the militant groups Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab, unleashed a wave of violence that would claim 148 lives and injure at least 79 others. This attack, the deadliest in Kenya since the 1998 United States embassy bombings, would leave an indelible mark on the nation.
The Prelude to Tragedy
Garissa, a town located roughly 200 kilometers from the Somali border, was considered one of the safest areas in the region, boasting military barracks and police headquarters. However, the presence of Al-Shabaab, a multi-ethnic militant group linked to Al-Qaeda, cast a long shadow over this perception of safety. In the two years leading up to the attack, Al-Shabaab had been responsible for over 200 deaths in Kenya, including the infamous 2013 Westgate shopping mall massacre, which severely impacted the country's tourism industry.
Warnings had been issued about potential threats to major universities, with Grace Kai, a student from a nearby college, noting the presence of suspicious strangers in Garissa. Despite these alerts, Garissa University remained open, and the attackers seized this opportunity to wreak havoc. The assault came just one day after Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized travel warnings issued by the United Kingdom and Australia, accusing them of perpetuating colonialism.
The Siege and Hostage Crisis
The attack began with the killing of two unarmed guards at the university's entrance. As the gunmen moved through the campus, terror ensued. Students like Collins Wetangula recounted the horror of Christians being singled out and executed on the spot. Survivors described being forced out of their dormitories, face down on the ground, only to witness their peers being mercilessly shot.
The Kenyan Defence Forces and other security agencies quickly mobilized, surrounding the university in an attempt to contain the situation. Despite their efforts, the siege stretched on for nearly 15 hours. The gunmen, numbering at least five, held over 700 students hostage, releasing Muslims while executing Christians.
As night fell, the siege came to a violent end. Four of the gunmen were killed by the elite Recce Squad Commandos of the Kenyan General Service Unit, while a fifth attacker detonated his suicide vest, injuring some of the commandos. In total, 148 lives were lost, including 142 students, three soldiers, and three police officers. Remarkably, 587 students managed to escape.
Unmasking the Perpetrators
In the aftermath, Al-Shabaab quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. Survivors reported that the gunmen communicated in Swahili, confirming their affiliation with the group. A spokesperson for Al-Shabaab declared that the attackers' mission was to kill those opposed to their ideology, singling out Christians as targets. The attack was framed as retaliation against Kenya's military involvement in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The Kenyan government identified Mohamed Kuno, also known by aliases such as Sheikh Mohamed Dulayadayn and Gamadhere, as the mastermind behind the attack. A reward of KSh. 20,000,000 (approximately $215,000 USD) was offered for his capture. Kuno had a long history of militant activities, having worked with the Al-Haramain Foundation before joining the Union of Islamic Courts and eventually Al-Shabaab.
On April 4, Al-Shabaab issued a chilling statement, vowing to continue their violent campaign against Kenya, accusing the country's security forces of committing atrocities against Muslims. They threatened that Kenyan cities would "run red with blood" until their demands were met.
Investigations and Arrests
The investigation quickly led to several arrests. One suspect was apprehended attempting to flee the scene, while two others were found on campus. Among them was a Tanzanian national with no ties to the university. Five men were ultimately arrested in connection with the attack, including Mohammed Abdirahim Abdullahi, the son of a local chief in Mandera County, and a university security guard accused of facilitating the attackers' entry.
The search for accomplices continued, with authorities seeking a close associate of Abdullahi believed to have trained with him in Somalia. In June 2016, Mohamed Kuno was killed by regional forces in Somalia, marking a significant blow to Al-Shabaab's leadership.
In June 2019, three men—Mberesero, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Hassan Edin Hassan—were found guilty of conspiracy in the attack and of belonging to Al-Shabaab. However, Sahal Diriye Hussein was acquitted. Later, in November 2021, Ali Abikar escaped from prison with two other Al-Shabaab affiliates but was recaptured three days later in Kitui County.
Global Reactions
The international community responded with outrage. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack, calling for justice against those responsible. The United States, through President Barack Obama, expressed its solidarity with Kenya, reaffirming its commitment as a steadfast ally. The British High Commission extended travel advisories and offered condolences, while Kenya grappled with the implications of the attack on its internal security and foreign relations.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Impact
In the wake of the tragedy, Kenya imposed nightly curfews in Garissa and surrounding counties, a move criticized by local leaders who claimed it led to harassment of residents, particularly Muslims. The government announced compensation for victims' families and indefinitely closed the university, with surviving students expressing reluctance to return.
The attack had far-reaching consequences. The Kenyan government froze bank accounts and revoked licenses of entities linked to Al-Shabaab, while calls for the closure of the Dadaab refugee camps highlighted fears of militant recruitment. Political leaders debated the merits of Kenya's military presence in Somalia, with some advocating for a strategic withdrawal.
The #147notjustanumber campaign emerged on social media as a poignant tribute to the victims, ensuring that each lost life was remembered beyond the cold statistics of a terrorist attack.
Sources
This narrative was built upon the detailed information available at Wikipedia: Garissa University College attack.
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Garissa University Attack
Gunmen storm Garissa University College, killing 148 and injuring 79, targeting Christians.
Hostage Situation
Over 700 students taken hostage; gunmen release Muslims and execute Christians.
Siege Ends
After nearly 15 hours, all four attackers are killed by security forces.
Suspects Arrested
Five men suspected of involvement in the attack are arrested, including a security guard.
Mastermind Killed
Mohamed Kuno, identified as the mastermind of the attack, is killed in Somalia.
Convictions
Three men are found guilty of conspiracy related to the attack and sentenced.
Prison Suicide
Rashid Charles Mberesero, convicted for the attack, commits suicide in prison.
Prison Escape
Ali Abikar escapes from prison with two others but is later recaptured.
On April 2, 2015, gunmen affiliated with the terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of 148 individuals and injuring at least 79 others. The assault began at approximately 5:30 AM local time, during which the attackers took over 700 students hostage, specifically targeting those identified as Christians while releasing Muslim students. The siege concluded the same day with the deaths of all four attackers. In the aftermath, five men were arrested in connection with the attack, and a bounty was placed on a suspected organizer. This incident marked the deadliest attack in Kenya since the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and is recognized as the most lethal mass shooting in the country's history.
The attack was motivated by Al-Shabaab's opposition to Kenya's involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia and a strong anti-Christian sentiment, as evidenced by the gunmen specifically targeting Christian students while releasing Muslims. There is speculation that the attackers were part of a larger network, as five men were later arrested in connection with the incident and a bounty was placed on a suspected organizer. Additionally, some believe the attack was intended to provoke further violence and unrest in Kenya, exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions.
The Garissa University College Attack: A True Crime Narrative
A Dark Dawn in Garissa
On the morning of April 2, 2015, the serene atmosphere of Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, was shattered by the sounds of gunfire and chaos. At approximately 5:30 a.m., masked assailants wielding AK-47s and strapped with explosives stormed the campus, targeting students in a brutal act of terrorism. The attackers, claiming allegiance to the militant groups Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab, unleashed a wave of violence that would claim 148 lives and injure at least 79 others. This attack, the deadliest in Kenya since the 1998 United States embassy bombings, would leave an indelible mark on the nation.
The Prelude to Tragedy
Garissa, a town located roughly 200 kilometers from the Somali border, was considered one of the safest areas in the region, boasting military barracks and police headquarters. However, the presence of Al-Shabaab, a multi-ethnic militant group linked to Al-Qaeda, cast a long shadow over this perception of safety. In the two years leading up to the attack, Al-Shabaab had been responsible for over 200 deaths in Kenya, including the infamous 2013 Westgate shopping mall massacre, which severely impacted the country's tourism industry.
Warnings had been issued about potential threats to major universities, with Grace Kai, a student from a nearby college, noting the presence of suspicious strangers in Garissa. Despite these alerts, Garissa University remained open, and the attackers seized this opportunity to wreak havoc. The assault came just one day after Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized travel warnings issued by the United Kingdom and Australia, accusing them of perpetuating colonialism.
The Siege and Hostage Crisis
The attack began with the killing of two unarmed guards at the university's entrance. As the gunmen moved through the campus, terror ensued. Students like Collins Wetangula recounted the horror of Christians being singled out and executed on the spot. Survivors described being forced out of their dormitories, face down on the ground, only to witness their peers being mercilessly shot.
The Kenyan Defence Forces and other security agencies quickly mobilized, surrounding the university in an attempt to contain the situation. Despite their efforts, the siege stretched on for nearly 15 hours. The gunmen, numbering at least five, held over 700 students hostage, releasing Muslims while executing Christians.
As night fell, the siege came to a violent end. Four of the gunmen were killed by the elite Recce Squad Commandos of the Kenyan General Service Unit, while a fifth attacker detonated his suicide vest, injuring some of the commandos. In total, 148 lives were lost, including 142 students, three soldiers, and three police officers. Remarkably, 587 students managed to escape.
Unmasking the Perpetrators
In the aftermath, Al-Shabaab quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. Survivors reported that the gunmen communicated in Swahili, confirming their affiliation with the group. A spokesperson for Al-Shabaab declared that the attackers' mission was to kill those opposed to their ideology, singling out Christians as targets. The attack was framed as retaliation against Kenya's military involvement in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The Kenyan government identified Mohamed Kuno, also known by aliases such as Sheikh Mohamed Dulayadayn and Gamadhere, as the mastermind behind the attack. A reward of KSh. 20,000,000 (approximately $215,000 USD) was offered for his capture. Kuno had a long history of militant activities, having worked with the Al-Haramain Foundation before joining the Union of Islamic Courts and eventually Al-Shabaab.
On April 4, Al-Shabaab issued a chilling statement, vowing to continue their violent campaign against Kenya, accusing the country's security forces of committing atrocities against Muslims. They threatened that Kenyan cities would "run red with blood" until their demands were met.
Investigations and Arrests
The investigation quickly led to several arrests. One suspect was apprehended attempting to flee the scene, while two others were found on campus. Among them was a Tanzanian national with no ties to the university. Five men were ultimately arrested in connection with the attack, including Mohammed Abdirahim Abdullahi, the son of a local chief in Mandera County, and a university security guard accused of facilitating the attackers' entry.
The search for accomplices continued, with authorities seeking a close associate of Abdullahi believed to have trained with him in Somalia. In June 2016, Mohamed Kuno was killed by regional forces in Somalia, marking a significant blow to Al-Shabaab's leadership.
In June 2019, three men—Mberesero, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Hassan Edin Hassan—were found guilty of conspiracy in the attack and of belonging to Al-Shabaab. However, Sahal Diriye Hussein was acquitted. Later, in November 2021, Ali Abikar escaped from prison with two other Al-Shabaab affiliates but was recaptured three days later in Kitui County.
Global Reactions
The international community responded with outrage. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack, calling for justice against those responsible. The United States, through President Barack Obama, expressed its solidarity with Kenya, reaffirming its commitment as a steadfast ally. The British High Commission extended travel advisories and offered condolences, while Kenya grappled with the implications of the attack on its internal security and foreign relations.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Impact
In the wake of the tragedy, Kenya imposed nightly curfews in Garissa and surrounding counties, a move criticized by local leaders who claimed it led to harassment of residents, particularly Muslims. The government announced compensation for victims' families and indefinitely closed the university, with surviving students expressing reluctance to return.
The attack had far-reaching consequences. The Kenyan government froze bank accounts and revoked licenses of entities linked to Al-Shabaab, while calls for the closure of the Dadaab refugee camps highlighted fears of militant recruitment. Political leaders debated the merits of Kenya's military presence in Somalia, with some advocating for a strategic withdrawal.
The #147notjustanumber campaign emerged on social media as a poignant tribute to the victims, ensuring that each lost life was remembered beyond the cold statistics of a terrorist attack.
Sources
This narrative was built upon the detailed information available at Wikipedia: Garissa University College attack.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Garissa University Attack
Gunmen storm Garissa University College, killing 148 and injuring 79, targeting Christians.
Hostage Situation
Over 700 students taken hostage; gunmen release Muslims and execute Christians.
Siege Ends
After nearly 15 hours, all four attackers are killed by security forces.
Suspects Arrested
Five men suspected of involvement in the attack are arrested, including a security guard.
Mastermind Killed
Mohamed Kuno, identified as the mastermind of the attack, is killed in Somalia.
Convictions
Three men are found guilty of conspiracy related to the attack and sentenced.
Prison Suicide
Rashid Charles Mberesero, convicted for the attack, commits suicide in prison.
Prison Escape
Ali Abikar escapes from prison with two others but is later recaptured.