A university in northeastern Kenya where at least 148 people were killed in an attack by Islamist gunmen last April, was officially reopened yesterday with students due to return next week.
The high-profile assault on Garissa University College on April 2, 2015 was the deadliest yet in Kenya by the Somali-based, Al Qaeda-linked Shabaab group. Nearly all the victims were students.
University principal Ahmed Osman Warfa said most of the staff had reported for duty ahead of the new term, and that around 60 students were expected to return on January 11.
Before the attack, Garissa University had around 800 students.
Warfa said security had been improved with a new police post built within the university compound and a perimeter fence planned.
“I wish I was armed and trained on the use of firearms on that night, I would have fought with the attackers and at least ensure I have saved some of my students from their killers,” said the principal ahead of the reopening.