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Al Shabaab attacks Kenyan University, takes students hostage

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Published on: June 13, 2023

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Garissa Atack — Police officers and other security officials have laid siege around the institution in an attempt to flash out the gunmen

The attack on Garissa University began at around 5:00am local time (02:00 GMT) when students were preparing to go for their morning prayers.

The who attackers posed as worshipers entered the university compound early Thursday morning and started shooting at the students indiscriminately and there are fears the toll of those injured could rise.

A policeman at the scene told Reuters news agency that some students had been taken hostage.

“We can’t tell how many but they are many since the college was in session,” the unnamed policeman is quoted as saying.

The Kenya Red Cross said about 50 students had been “safely freed”, but an unknown number were still being held, AFP news agency reports.

Garisa Students — Students were forced to run for their safety, these ones were coming out of a house they had gone to seek refuge

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet confirmed the attack and said efforts to restore the situation were ongoing.

“Garissa University was attacked early this morning. Elite units from Police and KDF have responded. Updates to follow,” said Boinnet on his Twitter handle.

Boinnet said in a statement the gunmen forced their way into the university by shooting at the guards manning the main gate at around 5.30a.m.

Students who escaped the attack said there were at least five gunmen. Many other students and teachers were by 8 am still being held hostage.

Garissa university college — The Institution, Garissa University College where gunmen attacked at dawn when students were going for prayers

The figures of those killed have gone up with some sources reporting 14 while others saying 15. Two guards were confirmed killed at the main university gate, with two policemen and a student among the injured.

But eyewitnesses spoke of many casualties inside the building.

Kenya Red Cross which has airlifted some Surgeons and and doctors says 30 people were injured, with four having serious injuries, but reports put the figure at 60.

There’s heavy security presence in the area with the army and an elite unit of police leading the rescue operations.

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