UPDATE - Terror suspect grabs rifle, kills 5 Kenyan police

Suspect, who was under arrest when he snatched weapon, has been killed by police

UPDATES ATTACKER KILLED

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Five police officers were killed in western Kenya on Thursday after an arrested terror suspect grabbed a rifle and opened fire, police said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the phone, West Pokot county commissioner Wilson Wanyanga confirmed that at least five police officers -- among them the station's boss -- were killed.

He added that the gunman, Omar Eumod, a primary school teacher who was facing terror charges, had been killed by police in the standoff that lasted for around nine hours.

The suspect was under arrest at Kapenguria police station, West Pokot county, when he seized a rifle and began shooting police, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett told local media earlier.

The Star newspaper had said unconfirmed reports had described the attacker as a suspected al-Shabaab terrorist. Having turned violent at around 3 a.m. local time (0000GMT), he had reportedly held officers hostage inside the police station.

Soldiers and police reinforcements had surrounded the station, which is around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Ugandan border.

Kaynak:

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