The High Court on Wednesday July 31, 2024 ordered the Kenyan government to pay a substantial sum of money to the families of victims of the 2015 Garissa University College attack.
The High Court has awarded Ksh3 million (approximately $23,000) to each of the 148 families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident.
In addition to the compensation for the deceased, the court also granted varying amounts to the 14 individuals who were injured during the attack and filed the case alongside Kituo Cha Sheria, a legal aid organization.
One of the survivors, Rose Gikonyo, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Science) at the time of the attack, was awarded Sh10 million (approximately $77,000) for her severe injuries.
Gikonyo was rescued by the Kenya Red Cross and AMREF around 12 pm, over six hours after the attack began.
She was admitted to the hospital for about three months and later underwent rehabilitation for an additional six months.
The judges, Mugure Thande, Anthony Ndung’u, and Daniel Kemei, considered the fact that Gikonyo’s back injury had deteriorated, resulting in paralysis of her lower limbs and lack of bladder control.
The attack, which was carried out by the Al-Shabaab, claimed the lives of 148 people, mostly students, and injured at least 79 others.
The gunmen took over 700 students hostage before being killed by security forces after a 15-hour siege.
