Maseno University students Tuesday evening held special prayers to pay tribute to the fallen Garissa University College students late last week. With fliers with the message #147IsNotJustANumber, the students convened at one of the biggest lecture halls in the university to mourn the death of the 147 victims of the Garissa attack, specifically the 142 students. Many student leaders and leaders of the religions that spoke during the event cursed the killing of the Garissa University students saying that it was not good at all. Samir Ali Said, the immediate former chairperson of the Muslim Students Association at the institution, condemned the attack saying that it is one of the biggest tragedies to have ever fallen a public university and Kenya at large. He added that although the terrorists are using religion as a cover to their atrocities, Islam religion does not support terror activities. "No Muslim is subscribed to the Al Shabaab school of thought of taking innocent lives," he said adding that the Muslim community stands for peace. Mr Samir also said that different religions should serve to bring Kenyans together rather than keeping them apart. The security of students in public institutions also featured in the talks. "There is no way we shall learn in institutions that are not secure," said Charles Juma, president of Student Organisation of Maseno University (Somu). Charles also seized the opportunity to thank all the students who attended the prayers. "Today is Garissa, you never know what or who is next," he said, adding: "So thanks to everybody for taking your time to cry with the bereaved families." Alfred Makotsi, who was an aspirant in the last Maseno University elections, said that there is no direct connection between terrorism and religion.

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