Former Presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida serving 7-year sentence in U.S. prison 

Mohamed Abduba Dida, a former teacher and two-time Kenyan presidential candidate, is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in the United States after being convicted of stalking and intimidation.

Dida, 50, popularly known as Mwalimu, has been detained at the Big Muddy Correctional Center in Illinois since November 18, 2022, after being found guilty of two charges. The offenses were committed in McLean County, Illinois.

He is scheduled to be released on April 3, 2029.

Dida, who gained widespread recognition during his bids for the presidency in 2013 and 2017, is now facing a much different reality far from the political stage that once brought him into the spotlight.

Dida, known for his unconventional political approach and sharp wit during the 2013 and 2017 elections, surprised many Kenyans with his strong debate performances. Despite his outsider status, he became a recognizable figure in Kenyan politics, advocating for reforms in education, governance, and corruption.

However, recent events have cast a shadow over his legacy. Details of the case reveal that Dida was involved in a stalking incident in the US that escalated into threats, leading to his arrest. After a legal battle, he was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-popular presidential hopeful.

From Presidential Campaigns to Legal Troubles

Mohamed Abduba Dida first entered Kenya’s political scene in 2013 when he ran for the presidency on a Reform Party ticket. Though considered a long shot, his articulate arguments in the presidential debates won him many admirers, and he finished fifth with 52,848 votes (0.43% of the total votes cast).

Dida ran again in 2017 but failed to garner significant support, receiving fewer votes than in his previous attempt.

Despite his modest electoral results, Dida was widely respected for his focus on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, particularly in education. Before entering politics, Dida worked as a teacher and educator, and he often used his platform to advocate for reforms in the education sector.

However, his move to the U.S. took a darker turn, with legal troubles now overshadowing his political career. Details of the case reveal that Dida was involved in a stalking incident that escalated into threats, leading to his arrest and eventual conviction.

Reactions in Kenya

News of Dida’s imprisonment has shocked many in Kenya, particularly those who admired his straightforward and sometimes humorous approach to politics. .

Some of his former supporters have expressed disappointment, while others have called for understanding, citing the challenges of navigating life abroad.