Garissa University College Attack - April 2, 2015

On April 2, 2015, Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, became the site of a horrific terrorist attack carried out by the militant group Al-Shabaab. This attack resulted in the tragic loss of 148 lives, most of whom were students, marking it as one of the deadliest assaults in Kenya since the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings.

Background

Al-Shabaab, an extremist group based in Somalia, has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region. The group has often targeted Kenya due to its military involvement in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which aims to combat Al-Shabaab and stabilize the region.

The Attack

• Date and Time: The attack began in the early hours of April 2, 2015.
• Location: Garissa University College, located in Garissa, northeastern Kenya.
• Perpetrators: The attack was carried out by four gunmen associated with Al-Shabaab.
• Method: The attackers stormed the university campus, initially targeting a dormitory where they separated students based on their religion, sparing some while executing others. The siege lasted for several hours.

Casualties

• Fatalities: 148 people were killed, including 142 students, three security officers, and three soldiers.
• Injuries: Numerous others were injured during the attack.

Response

• Security Forces: Kenyan security forces responded to the attack, eventually killing the four gunmen.
• Government Reaction: The Kenyan government declared a three-day national mourning period. President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed to respond to the attack with increased military action against Al-Shabaab.

Aftermath and Impact

• Security Measures: The attack led to heightened security measures across Kenya, particularly in educational institutions.
• International Condemnation: The attack was widely condemned by the international community, with many countries expressing solidarity with Kenya.
• Al-Shabaab’s Strategy: The attack underscored Al-Shabaab’s continued threat in the region and its strategy of targeting civilians to instill fear and disrupt societal stability.

Broader Historical Significance

The Garissa University College attack highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Kenya and the broader East African region in combating terrorism. It underscored the need for regional cooperation and international support in addressing the root causes of extremism and enhancing security measures to protect civilians from such tragic events.