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Kenya

Kenya: Garissa University College Attack - Information Bulletin n° 1

Attachments

This bulletin is being issued for information purposes and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has immediately responded and will request in the coming days for assistance through IFRC international disaster response mechanisms.

The situation

  • Suspected Al Shabaab Islamist militants attacked and laid siege to the Garissa University College, in the town of Garissa (North Eastern Province) on the 2nd of April. Reports indicate that several gunmen opened fire on guards at around 05h30 before being confronted by police and withdrawing into the campus buildings with several hostages.

  • At 22h00 2 April, official and local sources have confirmed that the siege is over.

  • As of now, at least 147 people have been confirmed dead, although it is likely the number will be much higher. At least 79 people are reported injured. Victims are being transferred to Garissa General Hospital and the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. However, due to the high number of injured, some of them have been referred to private hospitals.

  • Kenya's Interior Minister told reporters in Garissa that about 500 out of 815 students were accounted for.

  • All 4 attackers (who reportedly had explosives strapped to them) are reported to have been killed.

  • The affected area has been cordoned off by the security forces. A 18h30-06h30 curfew in Garissa,
    Mandera, Wajir and Tana River is to be implemented from 3 April to 14 April.