Mwalimu Dida Released from US Prison, Revives Charitable Work in Minnesota

Mohamed Abduba Dida, the former Kenyan presidential candidate known for his unconventional campaigns, was released on parole from the Big Muddy Correctional Centre in Illinois on March 4, 2025, after serving a three-year sentence. 

Dida, 48, had been incarcerated following convictions in 2022 for stalking, issuing threats, and violating a restraining order related to incidents involving his American wife. Upon his release, Dida returned to his home in Minnesota, where he intends to revive the Dida Foundation International, a charitable organisation registered in the state. According to Amina Liban, one of Dida's three wives in Kenya, he is actively seeking office space in Minnesota to operationalise the foundation’s plans.

The Dida Foundation International, which began its social media outreach in 2019, aims to provide civic and technical education to marginalised populations in both Africa and the United States. Dida's renewed focus on philanthropy follows a tumultuous period that saw him transition from a prominent political figure to an inmate in the US correctional system. Dida's legal troubles originated in 2021, culminating in his arrest and subsequent conviction on charges brought forward by his American wife. 

This marked a significant reversal of fortune for Dida, who gained public recognition in Kenya for his candid and often humorous remarks during televised presidential debates in 2013 and 2017. Despite his unique approach, Dida failed to secure significant votes in either campaign, though his presence left a lasting impression on Kenya's political discourse. His release on parole presents both opportunities and challenges. 

Parole mandates strict compliance with behavioural conditions, and any violations could result in his return to prison. Dida’s ability to navigate these constraints while rejuvenating his philanthropic mission will be crucial. Dida’s prior commitment to charitable work in Kenya included regularly preaching to homeless youth in Nairobi on Fridays. This history underscores his long-standing interest in addressing social issues, a theme he hopes to continue through the Dida Foundation International. 

The foundation's mission aligns with his earlier endeavours, aiming to provide educational opportunities to those in need. The foundation’s social media presence, established several years before Dida’s legal troubles, suggests a pre-existing commitment to these philanthropic goals.