Moi wants to contribute to the fight against Aids

Mr Moi, who has held the position since 1978, told a gathering at the Egerton University in western Kenya he wanted to see power passed on to a younger generation.

He did not indicate when he would leave his post, but said he wanted to set up the Moi African Institute to promote peace and help fight HIV/Aids.

Mr Moi has remained Kanu chairman despite not standing for re-election as president in the elections in December which the party lost for the first time in nearly 40 years.

He was not able to stand again, having completed two terms in office.

Mud-slinging

"I do not want to hang onto power. I will not be retiring to go and sit down at home doing nothing," Mr Moi was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.

MOI'S PENSION PACKAGE Monthly pension to amount to 80% of last salary Six cars and seven drivers 34 workers 12-bedroom mansion Three cooks and two housekeepers Gym, swimming pool and sauna

Described at one time as one of Africa's "big men" Mr Moi handed over power to his successor, President Mwai Kibaki, after a crushing defeat for Kanu candidate Uhuru Kenyatta.

Seen as an autocrat who presided over wide scale corruption, Mr Moi was jeered and mud was thrown at his car when he attended the inauguration of Mr Kibaki.

When Mr Moi finally gives up the chairmanship of his party, Mr Kenyatta is expected to replace him.