Garissa University attack survivor speaks after being awarded Ksh.10M

The survivors of the April 2, 2015 Garissa University terror attack that saw 147 students lose their lives, have welcomed the court's decision compelling the government to compensate them as well as the victims’ families.

On Wednesday, the High Court ordered the government to pay Ksh.441 million to the families of the 147 students killed in the incident and Ksh.56.9 million to the survivors.

In the ruling, each family of the deceased persons will receive Ksh.3 million while the survivors were granted varied amounts of compensation.

Rachel Gikonyo, one of the survivors, was awarded Ksh.10 million. Speaking to the press after the ruling, she pointed out her struggles following the attack, saying she has since been subjected to a wheelchair as a result of the injuries sustained during the incident. 

The survivor heaved a sigh of relief that justice was finally served nine years later.

"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.

"The journey has been quite tough but we didn't lose hope. We knew that justice would be found. After the attack, I managed to complete my studies at Kenyatta University but I'm yet to find a job."

While addressing the press, Gikonyo's mother appealed to the government to protect the welfare of the citizens by addressing the concerns raised. She also advocated for security to be enhanced to ensure such incidents don't occur again.

"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 said. 

Another parent whose child survived the attack, revealed how her world turned upside down following the incident. Owing to the struggles, the parent said she had to sell everything to make ends meet and was on the brink of losing hope as she aspired her third born child to lift her out of poverty. 

"The first born died in hospital in Mumias. My second born died when she was still young and my third born survived the incident. My husband died shortly after learning about the Garissa attack incident that year. The church would counsel me and through the church found a way to relieve my stress," she said.

"The government is here to cater for our needs. They should ask themselves if their actions appease the public. Do they listen to Kenyans?"