Survivors: How we fled from the jaws of death

Two survivors of the Garissa terrorist attack on Tuesday arrived at their homes in Teso North, Busia County, with tales of their miraculous escape from the jaws of death.

Ms Peninah Amweno was escorted to her Aedomoru Village home by Salvation Army church officials, while Mr Nelphas Maruti had an emotional reunion with his father, Mr Dedan Maede, at Aboloi Village.

Busia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Moses Ote, who is also the area ward representative, welcomed the two students back home.

DODGED BULLETS

Ms Amweno, a first-year student, said she owes her life to God after she dodged bullets fired by the assassins and hid in a thicket.

She said she only learnt that the attackers were Al-Shabaab from a lecturer who went to her rescue.

Mr Maruti, also a first-year student, said he was out fetching water when the terrorists struck.

“Immediately I heard gunshots, I hid in a nearby trench. I later hid in the ceiling of our hostel after a policeman who had come to rescue us was shot,” he narrated.

The still terrified student told of how he watched as the four terrorists hacked his colleagues to death with machetes for failing to recite Islamic readings.

Ms Amweno and Mr Maruti vowed never to set foot in Garissa again, saying they would stay at home and become farmers.

Deputy Speaker Ote said students who survived the attack would not return to Garissa and appealed to Moi University to assist them to obtain their academic transcripts and certificates.

In Kilifi, church leaders condemned the attack and called for unity among Kenyans in the fight against terrorism.“We are calling on leaders, security officers, the citizens — whether Christians, Hindu or Muslim — to play a role in security,” said the Reverend Onesmus Koi of the Anglican Church.