At least five people gunned down in Kenyan town of Garissa

A gun attack killed at least five people in the eastern Kenyan town of Garissa on Thursday, said Reuters, citing witness and local media.

Kenya's Standard Digital said six people had been killed and police have launched a big operation. 

Local police said a hooded man armed with an AK 47 rifle sprayed bullets into a Garissa hotel, killing several people instantly and wounding ten others, according to the Standard. 

One witness, who only gave a first name of Stephen, told Reuters: "Five people are lying dead and three are injured. Police have just arrived."

Reuters said the attack took place at a local restaurant. There was no immediate explanation for the differing reports. 

Grenade and gun attacks are not infrequent in Kenya due to militant activity in the region.