Suspect arrested in attempted raid at Wajir County Headquarters

Wajir, Kenya: One suspect was Tuesday arrested and gun recovered from him after an attempted raid on the Wajir County Government Headquarters in Wajir Town.

Two other gunmen, who escaped after engaging police in a fire exchange, are still at large.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said three suspicious men approached the Governor's office and were ordered to stop by security officials on duty.

"They defied and ran off as police gave chase and arrested one. Shots were fired by police. Search for the other two is ongoing," said Boinnet in a tweet.

The incident caused panic in the town amid fears the attackers were terrorists. The governor, Ahmed Abdullahi was not in the office at the time of the incident. He was said to be in Nairobi.

Police said the suspect who was arrested is a Kenyan and is from the area, adding they are yet to know the motive of the incident.

Local commander Samuel Mukinda said the suspect was arrested as he fled into the streets of Wajir Town.  He said the situation was put under control within 20 minutes.