Man convicted of Garissa University attack found dead in his cell

One of the three people who were convicted of planning the Garissa University attack five years ago has been found dead.

Rashid Charles Mberesero was found dead in his cell at the Kamiti Maximum Prison where he was serving a life sentence.

“He committed suicide on Friday at 1520hours inside his cell using a blanket that he used to hang himself with from the grills. He was alone but the matter is under investigation. The body has been taken to the City Mortuary awaiting autopsy,” Prisons Spokesman Kennedy Aluda said.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on Sunday, Mr. Aluda noted that the matter will be handled by the embassy since the deceased was a Tanzanian national.

The terror attack at Garissa University where 156 people were killed occurred in April 2, 2015.

Mberesero, Mohammed Abdi Abdikar and Hassan Edin Hassan were convicted for being members of al Shabaab, committing a terrorist act and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

“Prosecution has proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt,” ruled Trial Magistrate Francis Andayi, adding that the three were in communication with the attackers and knew of the plot.

The magistrate noted that the attack was carried out as an attempt to coerce the government into removing the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) from Somalia.

According to the court, Mberesero led the attackers to the institution since he never explained the reasons as to why he was on scene when people were being asked to leave.

“He remained in the hostel when everyone had left and could not satisfactorily explain why he was there,” the court noted.

Over 22 witnesses testified in the case among them students and experts.

Additional report from Dzuya Walter