Mr Moi says that he deserves respect

Kenya's former President Daniel arap Moi has called on the government of his successor, Mwai Kibaki, to stop a "witch-hunt" against him.

Mr Moi said that he deserved respect as an "elder statesman" who had peacefully led the nation for 24 years.

Earlier this month, the government ordered anti-corruption police to question Mr Moi in connection with the collapse of Kenya's Euro Bank, although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

I should be respected as an elder and they should stop pursuing me Daniel arap Moi

The new government estimates that almost $10 billion was stolen during the Moi era.

The former president, who stepped down in December, acknowledges that corruption was a serious problem during his rule, but has strenuously denied any personal involvement.

Mr Moi was speaking ahead of a meeting of leaders of his Kanu party in the coastal resort of Mombasa.

Scandal

The move to have the former president questioned has angered Kanu MPs, who accuse the government of being disrespectful to their chairman.

"I should be respected as an elder and they should stop pursuing me", he said.

Mr Kibaki's government has been accused of political witch-hunt

His lawyer, Mutula Kilonzo, said his client would co-operate fully with investigators looking into scandals that happened during his 24-year-old rule.

Mr Kilonzo told the BBC that he was not expecting Mr Moi to seek an amnesty or pardon from the government.

Mr Moi announced that he will never undermine an African government.

Undermine

"It would be foolish for one to undermine an African government which you fought for. What is needed is to build Kenya", he said.

Since the government launched its anti-corruption investigations, Mr Moi, members of his family and his aides have been cited in a number of inquiries, investigations and court cases.

Five senior officials have already appeared in court.

At least one has alleged he was acting on the direct orders of President Moi when he transferred state funds to Euro Bank before its collapse.

His son, Gideon Moi, who is being investigated over the Euro Bank scandal, has accused the new government of launching a political witch-hunt.

Euro bank went bust in February after it was discovered that almost $14million of public money had vanished from its accounts.