A military tank is seen near Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, April 2, 2015. Kenyan Interior Minister Joseph Nkaissery said the siege at the Garissa University College in the eastern town of Garissa has ended, leaving 147 people dead. (Xinhua)
One suspect was arrested in the Kenya university attack at Garissa town near the border with Somalia, said Kenyan authorities Thursday, adding 280 students have been rescued while 535 remain unaccounted for.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery told journalists in Garissa that the suspect was arrested while trying to flee the scene, and is being interrogated in connection to the attack at Moi University campus in Garissa.
Nkaissery also confirmed that 15 people have been killed, 65 hospitalized, 280 have been rescued while 535 remain unaccounted for, adding that efforts are underway to track the missing.
"The institution has 815 students and 60 members of staff. The security agents have managed to account for 280 students and all the members of staff," he told journalists.
Somali militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they released 15 Muslims and warned that Kenyans will be shocked when they eventually go into the college.
The insurgents said they separated Muslims from non-Muslims and killed many people in the incident. However, the militants have not stated the exact number of those killed, saying that they are holding hostages inside the university hostels.
Nkaissery told journalists that the militants stormed the institution's gate through the nearby mosque. In the process he said they killed two guards and preceded to the students hostels.
Four police officers on guard responded and one of them was injured during the confrontation, he added.
The CS said that Kenyan soldiers and other security agencies in Garissa responded to the attack and are currently engaging the militants who are still holding hostage unknown number of students inside the institution.
"We are trying to avoid casualties, and that is why we are moving in slowly but surely to rescue the hostages," Nkaissery said.
He said that health agency AMREF in collaboration with other multi-agency rescue teams are assisting to airlift the seriously injured to Nairobi, adding that all the bodies will also be airlifted to the capital.
The government official further said a security operation center has been set up, noting that the siege will end as soon as possible. He said the security officers involved in the operation are cautiously approaching the terrorist whom he noted were suicidal.
Tension remained high in Garissa town and its environs following the early morning attack in the university. Shops remained closed with little movement being witnessed. Security officers could be seen patrolling the streets in Garissa.
