Garissa University students recall massacre as trial opens

Survivors of the attack at a Kenyan University that left over 148 dead have recounted the scenes of the gruesome day.

At the trial of five men accused of 162 counts of terrorism including conspiracy, the court heard witnesses of the ordeal detail the massacre perpetrated by Somali militants Al-Shabaab.

Appearing before the court, Mohamed Ali Abdikar, Hassan Aden Hassan, Sahal Diriye, Osman Abdi and Rashid Charles have since denied all charges.

The attack on 2nd April was the deadliest in Kenya since the bombing in 1998 by Al Qaeda.

Al-Shabaab are said to have infiltrated the university grounds situated at the North east part of the country at dawn.

Masked gunmen stormed the college campus setting off explosions and exchanging gunfire with security forces for several hours.

Nevertheless, rising from the ashes like the phoenix, Garissa University college reopened on Monday.

Following the directive by President UKenyatta on Jamhuri Day Celebration, I'm glad that #GarissaUniversityReopens. pic.twitter.com/GKjjQeU4K7

— Hon. Aden Duale (HonAdenDuale) January 4, 2016

Security has been tightened in the area and a 2.2 million dollar perimeter wall is set to be constructed fitted with cctv cameras.

Adding to security measures, a police post has been put up in the campus with 25 police officers to patrol the university.

Lectures in the campus are set to begin on the 11th of January for privately sponsored pupils while new students enrolled in the government programme will commence in September.

None of the old students are coming back as they are already enrolled in Moi University, the parent institution.

Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed his government will continue to fight extremists in order to secure the nation.

‘‘Let us honour the memory of members of our disciplined forces who have given their lives in the line of duty. Let us also remember in our prayer those civilians who lost their lives during terrorist and criminal attacks,’‘ Kenyatta said during his speech to usher in the new year.

‘‘Let us resolve today to once again rededicate ourselves to our commitment to do our part in keeping ourselves, our families, communities and nation safe and secure,’‘ he added.