News Digest

15 killed and Christian hostages taken as gunmen storm Kenyan university

An “unknown number of student hostages” have been taken by masked terrorists who have killed at least 15 people after storming a university in eastern Kenya. Two police officers are among the dead following heavy gunfire and explosions in a campus building at Garissa University. At least 65 others have been wounded. Somalia’s al Shabaab militant group has claimed responsibility. ”We sorted people out and released the Muslims,” said spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab.

There are many dead bodies of Christians inside the building. We are also holding many Christians alive. Fighting still goes on inside the college.

Al Shabaab spokesman

One of the suspected gunmen was arrested as he tried to flee, according to Kenya’s interior ministry. The Red Cross said 50 students have been safely freed, while the interior ministry said 280 of 815 students had been accounted for. Kenya Police Chief Joseph Boinet said: “Gunmen forced their way into Garissa University by shooting at the guards manning the main gate at around 5.30am. The gunmen shot indiscriminately while inside the university compound. Police… engaged the gunmen in a fierce shootout; however, the attackers retreated and gained entry into one of the hostels.”