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President Ruto lays foundation for Garissa varsity admin block, honours attack victims

President William Ruto placed a commemorative wreath in honor of the 148 students who died in a terrorist attack at the Garissa University in 2015. (Photo: PCS)

By Issa Hussein | Thursday, June 20, 2024

The president described Garissa University as an inspiring example of progress amid the challenges posed by security threats from Al-Shabaab militants.

President William Ruto on Thursday laid the foundation for the Garissa University Administration Block and placed a commemorative wreath in honour of the 148 students who died in a terrorist attack at the university in 2015.

The president described Garissa University as an inspiring example of progress amid the challenges posed by security threats from Al-Shabaab militants.

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Speaking during the 5th graduation ceremony, the president said the institution's triumph against adversity proves it remains a beacon of hope for Kenyans.

This visit marked the president's first to North Eastern Kenya since his election. He stated that he came to celebrate the determination and commitment of all who ensured Garissa University continued to strive for excellence despite overwhelming challenges.

The president requested a moment of silence to honour and remember the innocent young Kenyans who died at the university in search of knowledge. He said their memory reminds Kenyans of the precious opportunity to make the country great and safe.

"The resilience of this university exemplifies the resilience of this region and our nation. It is not by mere coincidence that the university became a centre of excellence for security and peace studies. Today's graduates have benefited from their diligence, perseverance, and the support of their mentors," he said.

Ruto urged Kenyans to enrol in Garissa University without fear of terrorist attacks, assuring them that security has been reinforced and a police station established within the university to prevent such heinous acts from happening again.

Due to the increasing number of university students, he promised that the government would construct 1,000 housing units through the National Ministry of Housing.

He also announced Sh200 million from the government and another Sh200 million from the Safaricom Foundation to complete the university administration block.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, also assured Kenyans that Garissa University is safe for student accommodation and learning. Duale described the terror attack that claimed the 148 students as the worst moment of his life.

"I was the area MP and the Majority Leader. The incident was a sad and most painful moment. The evil forces planned one of the worst attacks against innocent souls and wanted to ensure this university was totally closed. But we are telling them their cowardly act will never stop Kenyans from pursuing their education here," Duale said.

He said that since then, many drastic measures have been undertaken to ensure the learners' safety.

He commended the president for officiating the 5th graduation ceremony of Garissa University, adding that it was a historic moment as he was the first president to officiate a graduation ceremony in Northern Kenya.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Principal Secretary of Higher Education and Research Beatrice Muganda, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, and more than 10 Members of Parliament from North Eastern Kenya also graced the occasion.