Kenya’s National Day of Mourning for Garissa University Attack

On April 5, 2015, Kenya observed a day of national mourning in the wake of the tragic Garissa University College attack, which occurred on April 2, 2015. This attack was carried out by the Somali militant group Al-Shabab, resulting in the deaths of 148 individuals, predominantly students.

Context and Background

Garissa University College, located in northeastern Kenya, was targeted in one of the deadliest attacks by Al-Shabab, a group known for its violent insurgency and affiliation with Al-Qaeda. The attack was part of an ongoing effort by the group to destabilize the region and exert influence over East Africa, mainly opposing Kenya’s military involvement in Somalia.

Details of the Attack

In the pre-dawn hours of April 2, 2015, gunmen stormed the university at Garissa, separating Muslim students from their Christian counterparts and taking many hostage. The siege lasted for about 15 hours, marked by intense gunfire and violence, before security forces subdued the attackers. Four gunmen were killed, and one was captured. The brutality of the attack, especially its targeting of young students, shocked the nation and drew international condemnation.

Aftermath and National Response

In response to the massacre, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared three days of national mourning beginning on April 5. Flags flew at half-mast, and memorial services were held nationwide. Kenyatta emphasized the resolve against terrorism, consolidating both national and international support to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabab.

Broader Impact

The Garissa University College attack highlighted vulnerabilities in Kenya’s security and prompted significant discussions on intelligence gathering and border security. The incident also raised awareness about the need for international cooperation in combating extremism, and it added a somber chapter to the global discourse on terrorism and education.

The national day of mourning served not only as a memorial for the victims but also as a rallying point for unity and resilience against acts of terror. In the wake of mourning, efforts were intensified to support affected families and ensure such a tragedy would not repeat.