Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Olelenku said over 1,000 people had been rescued to safety, while others were still trapped inside the mall.
Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta said Kenya will not be cowed by the attacks into pulling its troops out of Somalia. He emphasised that Kenya Defence Forces will stay on until the job of stabilising the country and defeating terrorism is done.
The President was speaking when alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi at State House yesterday. The leaders spoke in one voice and vowed the country would not give to Al Shabaab's intimidation and terror.
“I want to be very clear and categorical. We shall not relent on the war on terror. We will continue that fight and we urge all people of goodwill in the world to join us to ensure we uproot this evil. So if their thought was to intimidate us, it has only increased our commitment to fight and win this war,†said the President.
He added: “I call on Kenyans to stand courageous and united. Let us not sacrifice our values and dignity to appease cowards. Our victory must be conclusive. Let us defeat them with our unity.â€
Raila said the cowardly attempt by Al- Shabaab to spark inter-religious conflict in the country will not succeed. He said as an opposition leader, he was ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government to defeat the threat of terrorism.
Addressing journalists near Westgate, the Cabinet Secretary said about 10 to 15 gunmen were still holed up in the mall and security officers were carrying out a delicate operation to minimise casualties.
“Regrettably, the human loss in the attack also went up overnight. The number of our dead has risen to 59. The number of injured has also risen to 175. Many of the injured were taken to local hospitals, treated and discharged,†said Lenku.
Lenku was accompanied by his Defence counterpart Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces Joseph Karangi, National Intelligence Service (NIS) boss Michael Karangi and Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo.
The number of fatalities was expected to rise with reports emerging that the terrorists were holding some bodies in the basement and first floor of the building, which they still were controlling yesterday.
The government declined to divulge more details of details of the dead, only confirming that those were killed were both Kenyan and other foreigners.
Deepest condolences
The government wished those injured a quick recovery and pledged to offer them support.Â
“With the entire nation, we stand with the families of those who have lost their lives and extend every Kenyan’s deepest condolences. We ask God to give all of you comfort as you confront this tragedy. As pledged by the President last night, Government will provide the support you will need in the days to come.â€
The national security advisory council yesterday met early in the morning to review the impact of the terror attack that led to the closure of almost all major retail stores in Nairobi. It was slated to meet last evening.
“This morning, at 7am, the National Security Advisory Committee met at the Westgate Mall to re-assess the situation and determine the way forward. They have already briefed the President on overnight events and developments,†Lenku added.
Al- Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, bragging in one of their sites that Mujahideen€™ had taken over the mall and slaughtered over 100 people.
At about 10am, two more survivors were evacuated after having come face to face with death.
Lenku said the security forces had taken control of CCTV cameras and were able to locate the criminals who have been isolated saying the situation will be contained soon.
Source: Standard Digital
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