03/30/2017 Kenya (International Christian Concern) – The pain that came with the dawn attack of Garissa University two years ago, for many, persists until today. The bloody terrorist assault at 5:00 a.m. on April 2, 2015, left 143 students and five security officers dead, putting the country in a state of mourning and representing Kenya’s worst persecution attack to date. It is also ranked among the deadliest terror attacks in Kenya after the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi, which killed 213 people.

The ill-fated day is marked not only by Kenyans, but also the global community.

Garissa University Principal Ahmed Warfa remembers this as one of the saddest days of his life.

“I was the first person to hear the gunshots piercing the air because my house is just near the main gate and I knew the university was invaded by thieves. This heinous act seems like it just happened for it is still with us. I miss my students who were killed and the security officers who lost their lives too. I am not sure whether this feeling of trauma will ever leave me and my fellow colleagues.” he told International Christian Concern (ICC).

Rachael Gikonyo survived the attack, but not without suffering devastating gunshot wounds to her back, leaving her paralyzed and using a wheelchair, with very slim chances of walking again.

“We were ambushed during our morning prayers in one of the classrooms when two strange men entering laid a shooting spree all over the room.” She recalled. “Some students managed to escape through the door and the windows, but a bunch of us could not because everybody was scampering for safety. We gathered in one corner and that made their target more accurate. I was shot [severely] in the back and laid down on the floor leaning myself on the wall”

Annastaciah Mikwa also survived with serious gunshot wounds around her waist. She said, “They found us in our dormitory and shot at us at a very close range and all three of my roommates were shot in the head several times. Bullets missed my head by a whisker, but I was shot below my waist several times to make sure I was dead. My hips and legs were completely fractured and I passed out because of the shock, pain, and bleeding.”

“I remember the day with a lot of sadness not because I was injured, but because we lost many innocent young and promising people. I lost very close friends and as we commemorate the attack today I want the families who lost loved ones to know that we have been remembering them in prayer.” she told ICC.

Parents of the deceased students are still haunted by memories.

Kioko Mutuku lost his son in the incident and said, “The attack will remain imprinted on our hearts as a family for a long time. I walk and dream of the sweet memories of my son every night because I loved him. The killers broke our hearts in a very cruel manner. May my son continue resting in peace.”

On January 4, 2016, Garissa University reopened its doors after a year of healing and renovation. Enrollment is at approximately 250, but with a higher number of Muslim students compared to Christian students.

Pastor David Nduati has been working closely with the university in forming another Christian Union and he believes that there is still hope for the students who long for a fellowship in the school. “Pastors and Churches in Garissa have been praying for the university and the families that were affected during the attack. We have held few meetings as a way of laying ground work for the re-launching of a stronger and vibrant Christian Union,” he said.

Since the attack, the government has improved security in learning institutions, shopping centers, police stations, and along the border between Kenya and Somalia.

During this second anniversary that will be held on Saturday in different parts of Kenya, we ask you to continue praying for the persecuted Christians in Kenya so that God can give them the help they need.

At Moi University, where students were transferred to after the attack, they will have an anniversary service in memory of their fallen friends, plant 148 trees, and light candles. This is according to Fredrick Gitonga, former Garissa University Christian Union Chairman and now a student at Moi University.

ICC supports victims of persecution including those affected by this attack. To learn more about our projects, visit www.persecution.org.