Duale: Garissa University terror attack was my most painful moment

Defence CS Aden Duale on Thursday revisited the April 2,  2015, terror attack where al Shabaab militants raided the Garissa University killing 148 people mostly students.

Speaking during the  5th  graduation ceremony at the Garissa University grounds on Thursday which was graced by President William Ruto, Duale described the incident as the most painful event in his life.

“In 2015 forces of terror and evil wanted to close the only university in Northern Kenya by killing many young promising students,” he said.

Duale, who was then MP for Garissa Township, while recalling the events of the attack said the power of the pen had finally won against the gun saying that the university remains unique in many ways.

 “I was a Member of Parliament and the Leader of Majority. It was one of the most painful moments of my life when I came to this place on that day with the Late General Joseph Nkaisery who was the Minister of Interior and My brother the former IG Joseph Boinnet. It was one of the most horrifying days,” Duale said.

Duale said for two years, no parent wanted to bring their child to the university saying that it was on the verge of closure but was quick to thank God for seeing them through the difficult period.

“But God is great Alhamdulillah. Today we want to tell the forces of evil and terror that the power of the pen is mightier than the power of the gun. Never again will they set foot anywhere in the region and the country,” said the CS.

“I never thought Your Excellency that day that one day you would allow me to be among the team that will help secure our nation as a Minister for Defence," Duale said.

"I want to assure on behalf of the men and women in the security sector both internal and external KDF that we will not allow the forces of terror and evil to come near our citizens and more so near our universities and colleges where promising young people are."

He said that the university fraternity, the academic staff, students, leadership and locals are happy with the milestone of the university describing the president's presence to oversee the graduation as the best thing that has happened to the institution.

“We are very happy that today you are here and you will go in history as the first president to officiate a graduation ceremony of a university in Northern Kenya since the world began," said Duale.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama lauded the determination that has continued to be shown by the university fraternity and the residents after the terror attack.

“Enemies of darkness wished to see the end of this university but with the will of the people and the entire leadership of Garissa we said no to the evil-minded people who wanted to close this university," he said.

“We have continued to support this institution and today we are saying that the journey has been fulfilled. I want to congratulate the university leadership and the students who are graduating."

Other Leaders present were Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, MPs Dekow Mohamed(Garissa Township), Abdikadir Hussein(Lagdera), Salah Yakub(Fafi), Abdi Ali(Ijara) and Mohamed Adow(Wajir South).