Kenyan medical students remember Garissa massacre

By Kelvin Kibet, Kenyan Medical Students for Social Responsibility

Medical Peace Work graduates from Kenyatta University (KU) together with the KU Christian Union commemorated the anniversary of the horrific attack in 2015 by heavily armed terrorists on Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya where 147 were killed and another 79 injured. Most of those murdered were students. The memories of that day live on after two years.

Medical Students for Social Responsibility (MSSR) led a group of more than 50 students in observing solemn minutes of silence and prayer. Afterward we spoke to students about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  In a ceremony filled with somber emotion,  students shared their personal experiences and the general atmosphere was one of remembrance and peaceful resolutions.

Reflections from participants included:

“When I try to understand all this, it becomes oppressive to me. I stand with them [the fallen].”
Mike Rono, CU Congressperson

“147 is not just a number, we experienced a tragedy that led to the loss of young men and women who could change society tomorrow.” Chairperson, Kenyatta University Christian Union

“Medical students and doctors cannot turn a blind eye when peace and health are in danger. We must join hands with others and find ways to solve conflicts nonviolently.” Kelvin Kibet, MSSR National Students Rep

Medical Students for Social Responsibility are determined to learn lessons from such attacks and resolve to do our best to support our community in every way we can.