How Marital Dispute Landed Abdula Dida in US Prison

Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida moved to Illinois in January 2019 to further his education and intended to return to Kenya upon completing his studies.

Prior to his relocation, Dida had been married to three women in Kenya, one of whom he had divorced. During his time in the United States, he entered into a fourth marriage which was accepted without opposition from his family, including his two remaining wives in Kenya. This union resulted in the birth of a child, adding to Dida's family of over a dozen children in Kenya. However, Dida's circumstances took a dramatic turn in July 2021 when a conflict with his American wife led to his imprisonment.

Initially sentenced to seven years, his term was later extended by an additional year. Despite the ongoing legal issues, Dida's family has revealed that his American wife remains part of their family, as she has not initiated divorce proceedings. Dida's second wife, Amina Halake, along with his mother, Habiba, and firstborn son, Luqman, have taken the lead in seeking legal assistance for his appeal. Amina has provided insight into the events leading to Dida's incarceration, explaining that his American wife had obtained a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching her or entering their shared residence.

The situation escalated when Dida insisted on accessing their home and a mosque frequented by his wife. Amina's attempts to mediate the conflict through discussions or Shariah law proved unsuccessful. The family contends that Dida's conviction and sentencing were disproportionate responses to what they perceive as a domestic issue that could have been resolved through dialogue or in accordance with Shariah law. Amina discloses that she learned of Dida's imprisonment from his American wife after being unable to contact him for several days.

Dida's journey through the US correctional system has been marked by transfers between three facilities. Initially held at the East Moline Correctional Center from April to October 2022, he was subsequently moved to South Western Correctional Center before being transferred to Big Muddy Correctional Center in January 2023. His release date is currently set for April 3, 2029. While serving his sentence, Dida has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Big Muddy Correctional Center, alleging violations of his religious rights under the First Amendment and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

He claims that prison authorities have impeded his ability to practice his Muslim faith by denying him adequate prayer space and special accommodations during Ramadan. The lawsuit asserts that his requests for daily prayers and special Friday showers have been either ignored or severely restricted. Furthermore, Dida alleges that he was removed from religious teaching roles, further limiting his religious observance. US Magistrate Judge Gilbert Sison has allowed Dida's case to proceed, granting him the opportunity to seek injunctive relief. This development provides Dida with a platform to address his concerns regarding religious freedom within the correctional facility.