Terror Suspect in custody seizes Police rifle and Engages officers in a shootout Killing 4

KENYA: There was heavy gunfire at Kapenguria Police Station in Trans Nzoia County on Thursday morning, after a terror suspect in custody seized a firearm and engaged officers in a shootout.

The Kapenguria OCS was among several officers a gunman killed after grabbing an officer's gun and turning violent on Thursday.

West Pokot county commissioner Wilson Wanyanga said OCS Vitalis Ochido was killed alongside three other officers.

He could not verify the number of attackers but said security agents were still fighting them.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said the attacker had been arrested over terror links.

Reports indicated the man was arrested on Wednesday at Nakwijit area in North Pokot subcounty and was to be taken to court this morning.

He snatched the gun belonging to a Report Office officer who opened a cell for roll call and opened fire.

The suspect is believed to have been recruiting county youths to join terror group al Shabaab.

Schools near the police station have been closed.