Former Al Shabaab spokesman runs for office in Somalia

Mukhtar Robow. [File, AP]

The normal-looking campaign rally in Somalia's capital this month had dozens of people in T-shirts bearing the smiling candidate's image and "Security and Justice" were praising the former number two leader of Africa's deadliest Islamic extremist group, the Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab, who until recently was the target of a $5 million (Sh509.1 million) reward.

Stunned, Somalia's federal government is in an awkward spot. If Mukhtar Robow's campaign for a regional presidency goes forward, observers say the man who once praised Osama bin Laden and tried to impose an Islamic state has a good chance at winning next month's election.