NAIROBI (Halbeeg News) – Over 300 students of Garissa University College who survived the tragic 2015 terror attack have finally graduated in Moi University in an event held on Thursday.
The graduates were among many students transferred to Moi University after heinous attack perpetrated by Al-Shabaab operatives.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the Unversity, Professor Isaac Kosgei recognized and praised the over 300 resilient students from the former constituent college that endured the challenging times to successfully complete their university studies well on time.
“Our 37th graduation list comprises of over 300 survivors of the Garissa University college attack who braved terror and chose to fulfill their dreams. We thank the government and various donors from other countries who came to their aid through counseling and monetary support. Their selfless assistance has made the students achieve their dreams,” he stated.
On April 2, 2015, gunmen believed to be from Al-Shabaab stormed the Moi University constituent college in Garissa, killing at least 148 people, mostly students and security officers and Several others sustained injuries.
Everline Chepkemoi, a 24-year-old female student from Narok County, who was shot on her left leg as she led her colleagues in prayer on that fateful morning lauded Moi University for giving her a second chance to fulfill her dreams.
“In the middle of the prayers, we heard a loud noise followed by sparks.
That is when the attackers came to our room and started shooting randomly. In the ensuing melee, a bullet went through and shattered my left femur, and I fell on the ground,” she said.
She added: “Anyone who was writhing in pain was shot dead, I held my breath, pretending to be dead until the attackers left. Most of the Christian Union members died.”
Chepkemoi, currently a mother of one spent two months at the Kenyatta National Hospital undergoing treatment before joining her colleagues in Moi University to continue with her studies.
Daniel Mwangi, 24, also graduated with a Second Class Upper Division in Business on Thursday. He too was a victim of the beastly attack.
“I hid under my bed after gunshots rent the air. I held my breath even as assailants hovered around our room. It was the longest wait – from 5am to 5pm – when the Kenya Defense Forces called out to find out if there were any survivors,” he said.
He added: “If all had gone as planned and we had stayed in Garissa, we would have graduated last year. The attack has made us stronger and I am going to further my studies besides engaging in business to better my life.”
Discussion about this post