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Panic as gunshots ring out at Strathmore University during terror drill – PHOTOS


Panic gripped students, lecturers and administrators at Strathmore University during a surprise security drill at noon on Monday.

At least 20 students were injured during the security drill that was conducted to gauge the institution’s level of preparedness in responding to a terror attack.

Students take cover during the security drill on November 30, 2015. PHOTO | COURTESY
Students take cover during the security drill on November 30, 2015. PHOTO | COURTESY

Some of the learners jumped out of some of the university’s highrise buildings during the mock exercise that was held at midday when most of the students were in class.

Most of the injured were rushed to Nairobi West Hospital and some to Nairobi Hospital.

Two of them were placed in the Intensive Care Unit at Nairobi West Hospital.

PHOTO | COURTESY
PHOTO | COURTESY

“Most of those we received had fractures while some sustained head and chest injuries,” said Dr Evans Mwenda at Nairobi West Hospital.

Panic engulfed the institution for much of the day as shocked students narrated how the mock attack happened , their escape from class and nearby hostels and the frightening sight of the “attackers”.

PHOTO | COURTESY
PHOTO | COURTESY

Students said those who conducted the exercise carried real guns and wore attires similar to those used by Al-Shabaab attackers in past terrorism incidents.

“I saw someone coming up the stairs with a gun and wearing Al-Shabaab outfit. I ran and hid under a table before getting out through a window. People were screaming all over. I am really scared,” said Martin Chege, a student who was at the Student Centre.

The learners faulted the university for failing to inform them prior to the drill, saying they would have been much prepared and injuries would have been avoided.

PHOTO | COURTESY
PHOTO | COURTESY

 

Parents of the injured students said it was wrong for the university to conduct the drill without proper preparations.

“My son called me and told me Al-Shabaab had attacked the school. He jumped from the second floor and broke his two legs. This is quite unfortunate,” said Mr Charles Mwaniki at Nairobi West Hospital.