Court Awards Ksh.441M to Families of Garissa University Attack Victims
The survivors of the April 2, 2015 Garissa University terror attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 147 students, have expressed relief and gratitude following a landmark court ruling. The High Court has ordered the government to compensate the families of the victims with Ksh.441 million and the survivors with Ksh.56.9 million.
Among the survivors, Rachel Gikonyo, who sustained severe injuries that left her wheelchair-bound, was awarded Ksh.10 million. Speaking to the press, Gikonyo shared her struggles over the past nine years, emphasizing the significance of the court’s decision in her journey towards justice.
“I’m one of the victims of the Garissa University attack. The judgment has been favourable to us. They have promised to award us the damages for the injuries. We are so grateful to our lawyers who have done their best to make the case successful for us,” she said.
Despite the traumatic event, Gikonyo managed to complete her studies at Kenyatta University, although she has yet to secure employment. Her mother, in an emotional address, urged the government to enhance security measures to prevent such tragedies and to listen to the citizens’ concerns.
“We pray that when such things arise, the government should take action instead of things going to court but we shall continue praying for the government so that such incidents should not happen again in Kenya. It’s very devastating,” she stated.
Another parent, who lost two children and a husband in the aftermath of the attack, described the immense hardships she faced. Selling everything she owned to survive, she expressed hope that the government would take more proactive measures to support its citizens.
“The government is here to cater for our needs. They should ask themselves if their actions appease the public. Do they listen to Kenyans?” she questioned.
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Court Awards Ksh.441M to Families of Garissa University Attack Victims
