It is not immediately clear whether the violent response to his detention will affect the provincial presidential poll he was contesting.

Mukhtar Robow was a founding member of Al Shabaab and the spokesman for this terrorist group before he fell out with the leadership.

Somali authorities opposed his candidacy for provincial elections but the country’s electoral commission thought otherwise.

Afghan trained Robow was arrested yesterday for failing to report terrorism and smuggling weapons.

Elections in southwest province have already been delayed twice.

Voters are due to go to the polls next week but this will not be possible if violence is not quelled.

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