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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The former Al Shabaab deputy leader’s move into the mainstream has revolutionized the debate about post-conflict reconstruction.

 Mukhtar Rabow, known as Abu Mansour,  left Al Shabaab when he fell out with its leadership five years ago.

He retreated to bis village in southwest Somalia and was protected by his clansmen who make up the bulk of the terrorist group.

With a $5-million US bounty on his head, he surrendered to Somali authorities last year.

Authorities hope his high-high-profile return will make other militants reconsider their violent course.

There are, however, many victims of terrorism who feel he should not be allowed so easily to swap bullets for ballots.

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