"But we can confirm that our disciplined forces are up to the task and have been extremely careful to find the balance between neutralizing the attackers and getting as many people to safety as possible."

The cabinet secretary was critical of some NGOs of giving a higher death toll, which he said, is incorrect owing to the possibility of double-counting.

"Some of the dead have already been released to their families for burial. We will in due course provide the number of foreigners killed in the attack," Lenku said.

To ensure the on-going security operation is concluded speedily, the interior cabinet secretary warned Kenyans against providing false information which would divert security agents from the core task of bringing the siege to an end.

Lenku assured Kenyans that security at all entry and departure points, including airports and the seaport, in the country has been significantly raised.

"We urge all Kenyans and people of goodwill to remain calm and vigilant. We thank all Kenyans for their support during this difficult time," he added.

More than 30 hours after the Al-Shabaab terrorists stormed Nairobi's Westgate mall and fired at civilians, military authorities say the siege is close to an end.

Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) spokesman Col. Cyrus Oguna told Xinhua that they had been able to rescue most of the people from the shopping, noting that no more than 10 hostages were left in the building.

Hour on hour, casualties of the Nairobi mall attack have been pouring into hospital as the Kenyan police are battling Al-Shabaab terrorists who carried out the weekend's carnage.