Join Thousands Today as We Commemorate The Garissa Attack

Today,  Tuesday the 14th of April 2015, Kenyans will converge at Freedom Corner Uhuru Park to both  celebrate the survivors of the harrowing experience that was the Garissa University Attack and to honor the lives and memory of our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by a terrorist’s bullet.

This is a sad time for our nation. This is a moment that calls upon us to look within ourselves. The murder of innocent schoolchildren seeking education to better their lives and those of their families is something that has brought anguish on us. We are now even more alive to the reality that our enemies are within and without. We are confronted with the reality that none of us is safe because our enemies will stop at nothing until they see the utter destruction of our nation Kenya.

Yet we must collectively see this as a season of opportunity. A chance for us to come together and hold firm the fabric that is the Kenyan society. These events in recent days demand a certain measure of character from us. In the face of fear and terror we must remain resolute and firm. The loss of our brothers and sisters must shore up the audacity of a nation to believe in our collective victory over the elements of division and spirited machinations of our enemies. Together we must stand and face the challenges that come against us as a nation. Where religion, race, tribe and class has been used as a wedge between Kenyans from different walks of life, this concert calls us to the remembrance of the indomitable Kenyan spirit.

Our victory will not be complete unless we confront the questions that linger in our minds.  How is it that there was underwhelming response in the face of very clear and obvious intelligence reports? Why are certain mistakes reoccurring in the face of persistent threats ? What is the state of our health facilities to handle disasters and ensure victims and survivors are treated with dignity?   In this regard, we would urge a full judicial inquiry into the Garissa attack with the intention of avoiding repeated mistakes and holding the relevant entities to account.

The families of the slain students are hurting. Some families are faced with the prospect of eternal absence because they have lost the only child in the family. What can we say to families that sold their cows to ensure that their children had a shot at a decent education and the prospects that come with it? Though it is clear that no amount of money can bring back the lives gone, we believe that the more can be done. These efforts must begin with the setting  up of a more comprehensive compensation package for all the affected families and clearance of bills that arise from this attack. Kenyans must know that the government is willing to come to the aid of its citizens.

This concert is a show of strength.  It is a statement that we are stronger together even in the face of adversity. That is why on Tuesday 14th April 2015 every man, woman and child should come to Uhuru Park Freedom Corner and join hands as we honor the victims and survivors of the Garissa Attack.

Details: Garissa Memorial Concert

Venue: Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park

Time: 14 April 2015, from 4 pm to 7 pm