The Horrific Garissa University College Attack: A Day of Terror in Kenya

On April 2, 2015, a day etched permanently into Kenya's national memory, Garissa University College became the scene of a brutal and coordinated terrorist assault. Gunmen stormed the campus in Garissa, northeastern Kenya, unleashing an indiscriminate wave of violence that left an unimaginable toll. This devastating incident tragically claimed the lives of 148 people and injured 79 or more, marking a dark chapter in the country's fight against extremism.

Al-Shabaab's Deadly Claim: Hostage Crisis and Religious Discrimination

The militant group Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda operating primarily out of Somalia, swiftly claimed responsibility for the heinous attack. The perpetrators, reportedly linked to this extremist organization, took more than 700 students hostage, plunging the university into a harrowing siege. In a chilling display of religious fanaticism, the gunmen deliberately separated students, freeing those who identified as Muslim while brutally executing those who declared themselves Christian. This targeted violence underscored the ideological underpinnings of the attack and its deeply disturbing nature.

The Siege's End and Lingering Aftermath

The terrifying siege, which unfolded over a single day, concluded when all four of the attackers were killed during an intense operation by Kenyan security forces. In the immediate aftermath, five men were arrested in connection with the attack, indicating a wider network of support and planning. Furthermore, authorities placed a bounty on a suspected organizer, signaling their determination to bring all responsible parties to justice for the bloodshed at Garissa University. The attack sent shockwaves far beyond Kenya's borders, drawing international condemnation and highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.

A Grim Place in Kenya's History of Terrorism

The Garissa University College attack stands as one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Kenya's history, second only to the catastrophic 1998 United States embassy bombings in Nairobi. Its sheer scale surpassed other significant acts of terror that had previously rocked the nation. The 148 casualties from Garissa tragically exceeded the combined toll of other major attacks, including the 2002 Mombasa attacks, the high-profile 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack, the 2014 Nairobi bus bombings, the 2014 Gikomba bombings, and the 2014 Mpeketoni and Lamu attacks. This grim comparison underscores the devastating impact of the 2015 Garissa massacre and its profound effect on Kenyan society.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Garissa University Attack

What was the Garissa University attack?

The Garissa University attack was a devastating terrorist assault on Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, on April 2, 2015, carried out by Al-Shabaab gunmen. It involved a hostage crisis and resulted in numerous casualties.

When did the Garissa attack happen?

The Garissa University College attack occurred on April 2, 2015.

Who was responsible for the Garissa University attack?

The Somali-based militant group Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility for the attack.

How many people died in the Garissa attack?

148 people were killed during the Garissa University College attack.

What made the Garissa attack particularly horrific?

Beyond the high death toll, the attackers specifically targeted and executed students who identified as Christian, demonstrating extreme religious discrimination and brutality during the hostage situation.

How did the Garissa siege end?

The siege concluded on the same day as the attack, with all four gunmen being killed by Kenyan security forces.

What was the historical significance of the Garissa attack in Kenya?

It was the deadliest terrorist attack in Kenya since the 1998 US embassy bombings and the second deadliest overall, surpassing other major incidents like the Westgate shopping mall attack in terms of casualties.