Kenya cop shoots 5 before killing himself

Nairobi - An official says a policeman in western Kenya has shot dead a civilian and four of his colleagues before turning the gun on himself.

Western Kenya Regional Commissioner James ole Serian said on Wednesday the police officer used his official rifle in the Tuesday night attack.

Haman Muhoma, a policeman, says he tried to stop the officer who had blamed his colleagues for informing his wife about an extra-marital affair he had.

The incident is one among a string of murder-suicides among policemen in the country.

Authorities acknowledge that the high suicide rate among officers may be a result of frustration from poor pay and working conditions.

The Kenyan government is attempting to improve the working conditions of police but critics say the process is too slow.