Nairobi, April 3 (IANS): Kenyan Muslim leaders on Friday condemned the attack by Somali Al Shabaab militants on the Garissa University College campus that killed 147 people, mostly students.

Speaking to reporters in Garissa town, the Muslim leaders disassociated themselves from "fanatics who have perverted the religion to commit heinous crimes", Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Muslim community in Garissa county strongly condemns barbaric acts committed against innocent university students. Our heartfelt condolences go to the victims' families," said Abdullah Salat, the chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, Garissa branch.

Muslim leaders in Garissa county pledged cooperation with the government to eradicate the "monster of terrorism".

"As religious leaders in this county, we will support the government and the international community to root out terrorism," Salat told reporters.

Heavily armed Al Shabaab gunmen stormed Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya on Thursday at dawn. Security forces killed four militants after a daylong hostage crisis.