Garissa attack: 147 wasn’t just a number, they were beloved
A man lights a candle next to a cross with the name of one of the Garissa University College students during an April 14 concert at Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner in memory of those who lost their lives. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Garissa University was the crucible of their hopes and dreams; their only ticket to escape poverty.
Many were misled by the terrorists’ false promise that if they came out of their hiding, their lives would be spared.
Most of them were second and first year students pursuing education and business management courses.
147 was not just a number. They were not just 147 disfigured bodies; they were 147 lives lost, 147 dreams snuffed out, 147 families robbed off their hopes.
For most of the families whose children were killed in the Garissa University College attack, the students were their only source of hope for a better future. Many of the young students were the only ones in their families who had made it so far. Their parents had sold property and livestock to keep them in college.
