CONQUEST OVER TERROR; FADING MEMORIES

Two years down the line victims of the Garissa University terror attack are yet to heal. To them triumph over terror will take time. On that fateful day the world held its breath. The terrorists attacked us on our own soil. To many it remains to be recondite. Many were left flummoxed. 147 lives were lost during that gruesome attack. The rescue mission was conducted higgledy piggledy. For the survivors their stories are those of blood, anguish, infuriation, helplessness and shock. It's a dark day to remember for the victims whom the dark side of life paid them a gruesome visit. Many were left maimed, crippled and handicap.
Two years on their stories have changed. Yesterday during the 2nd memorial service it was evident. Their determination to live and excel in life. The victims of terror today are gallant soldiers of life. Their determination with life is incessant. As they narrated their ordeals cascades of tears were inheritable. Many tried to hold them but they could not stand it. It is traumatising to remember of fond memories of those who were killed. It's difficult to comprehend that one lost a roommate or a classmate, a right hand man and a close ally. It is a journey on a rocky path. The positiveness of life, radiant faces from the victims and joyous smiles is evident that they have made a big step to overcome the myriad of trauma and insurmountable challenges brought about by the attack. Their nostalgic smiles said it all. 'Yes we overcame' . When they reported on 28th May 2015 at Moi university many had given up on life. Disillusionned with life. Many could not do anything on their own and this was a drawback that lowered their self esteem. The journey of healing from trauma has been not easy as they narrated but they have come to terms with life. Their strong will and positiveness is captivating.
Inter alia the memorial service was snubbed by various leaders. Beginning from the top management of the university. It seemed as if there was nothing worth to celebrate. Many expected the vice chancellor and other leaders to be present but they never showed up. It seemed as a low profile event with the chaplaincy taking the lead role. The office of the dean of students was also poorly represented. The service was gloomy as memories took us back to the far flung Garissa. It was as if the massacre had happened yesterday. The spoken word presented by the students eulogised the fallen in a melancholy. The hymns and the songs sung were too mournful as if the artists foresaw the attack. A sombre mood engulfed the students center. People held their breath when they heard stories and farfetched memories of victims in the hands of merciless attackers. Kenya mourns her intellectuals killed on cold blood. With a lot of determination we glory in their conquest of terror. In solidarity we mourn the departed that they may find solace in the hope of ressurection.
As we sung that song "mbele ninaendelea, ninazidi kutembea, maombi uyasikie, eeh bwana unipandishe" cascades of tears run through my cheeks. I could not hold them but let them flow. As I remembered how painful it was for us to come into terms that we had lost the charming girl in our village, Angela Nyokabi. The village was
Filled with awe. People whispered to one another in low tones during her burial. The mother fainted, people cursed and screamed. It was to sad an ocassion. A big mould of soil covered her grave. Long gone never to be forgotten. Just left with haunting and iintoxicating

memories of moments spent together. As the pastor read 'to the ground you came and to the ground you return' we all wailed, screamed and screamed. Angela was back to the soil. Children of a lesser God