Update from Kenya's Prez on the Nairobi terrorist attack

Below is part of his long  message  relayed at 5 PM today, Kenya time.

....Sadly, the evil and cowardly act  of terrorism has claimed 59 lives and injured more than 175 people. Let us all continue to keep all the affected people in our thoughts and prayers, even as we reach out with a helping hand. I want every bereaved family to know that I mourn very deeply with them. No one should lose their life so needlessly, so senselessly, and no family should have to receive news that their loved one has been killed by a criminal bunch of cowards...........

.....Owing to the professional response of the various security agencies at the scene and the selflessness of countless Kenyans, more than 1,000 people were rescued from the Mall and attended to. We continue to rescue more. This is remarkable and encouraging. I am aware that many have expressed impatience over the pace at which the situation is unfolding.Whilst I empathise with your anxiety at seeing the matter concluded as quickly as possible, I ask for your understanding as well.

There are 10 to 15 armed terrorists inside the building as well as many unarmed, badly shaken, innocent civilians. We have reports of women as well as male attackers. We cannot confirm details on this. Our security analysts are looking at that. Our multi-agency response unit has had to delicately balance the pressure to contain the criminals with the need to keep our people still held in the building safe...........