Clashes broke out between armed men and the guards of a local politician at his residence in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Kinshasa, about two kilometers from the presidential palace.

Armed men "in military uniform" attacked the house of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator and candidate for speaker of the National Assembly, but were stopped by his guards, Michel Moto Muhima, the politician's spokesperson, said in a post on X.

Two police officers and one of the attackers were killed in the shootout that started early Sunday morning, around 4:30 a.m. local time at the house on Tshatshi Boulevard, according to Muhima.

"The Honorable Vital Kamerhe and his family are safe and sound. Their security has been reinforced," Muhima added.

(With input from agencies)