Presidential Hopeful Abduba Dida Jailed for Stalking in US

Mohamed Abduba Dida, a former teacher who twice ran for President and outperformed some established politicians, is serving a seven-year sentence in a US prison for stalking and threats.

Convicted in November 2022 in McLean County, Illinois, Dida is currently incarcerated at the Big Muddy Correctional Center. Dida's legal troubles stemmed from a series of alarming offenses against an unidentified individual, resulting in charges of stalking and violation of a restraining order. The first charge led to a two-year sentence for stalking and transmitting threats while the second resulted in an additional seven-year sentence. Although he was jailed in July 2021, the precise timeline of his sentencing remains unclear. During his political career, Dida sought to disrupt Kenya's entrenched political landscape dominated by prominent figures like Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

He captivated audiences with his unorthodox charisma and direct approach, likening himself to "David" facing these political "Goliaths." His performance in presidential debates garnered attention as he articulated views on governance and corruption. In the 2013 election, running under the Alliance for Real Change with Joshua Odongo, Dida finished fifth, securing over 54,000 votes and outpacing established politicians. He repeated this performance in 2017, finishing fourth in a crowded race with a new running mate, Titus Ngetuny.

After his political ambitions failed to translate into electoral success, Dida largely receded from the public eye until his legal troubles emerged. His current circumstances have raised questions about his status in the US, with details about whether he relocated or was merely visiting remaining ambiguous. While incarcerated, Dida has filed a petition against Kimberly Hvarre, the warden of the Big Muddy Correctional Center, alleging violations of his rights to practice Islam. This petition has drawn significant legal attention, prompting Judge Gilbert C. Sison to consider whether it falls under First Amendment protections or the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

Dida has reported reports facing considerable restrictions on his religious practices during his imprisonment including limited prayer opportunities at various correctional facilities. Despite his current role as a volunteer Imam providing some leeway to practice his faith, Dida continues to face obstacles in performing rituals in alignment with Islamic requirements. Court documents suggest that his situation improved marginally when he was moved to a single-man cell after initially being placed in segregated confinement.