More hostages rescued from Westgate: Lenku

Armed Kenyan policemen take cover outside the Westgate mall in Nairobi on September 23, 2013. More hostages were rescued from the Mall. PHOTO/AFP 

In Summary

• Number of hostages rescued not given
• IG Kimaiyo says they are closing in on the attackers
• Kenya Red Cross states 69 people were killed and 63 were reported missing

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and Inspector General of Police have said a few more hostages, held inside the Westgate Mall, were rescued overnight.

In a statement, Mr Lenku said a few more were still remaining inside the mall. He however did not give the number of those rescued.

“We are unable to give precise figures at this stage. But we can confirm that our disciplined forces are up to the task and have been extremely careful to find the balance between neutralising the attackers and getting as many people to safety as possible,” he said in the statement.

Mr Kimaiyo, on his Twitter handle, also said the hostages were rescued and added that they were closing in on the attackers.

Mr Lenku at the same time said the death toll remained at 59 and 175 injured.

Kenya Red Cross has earlier stated that 69 people were killed and 63 were reported missing.

Mr Lenku said: “Some NGOs have given a higher death toll, which we believe to be incorrect owing to the possibility of double-counting. Some of the dead have already been released to their families for burial.”

The Interior Cabinet Secretary also said security has been beefed up at all entry and departure points, including airports and seaports.

He warned Kenyans against giving false information to security agents on people they believe are trapped in the mall.

He also cautioned Kenyans to be vigilant and watch out for conmen who are using fake accounts to solicit donations for Westgate Mall victims and advised them to use verified accounts