Mohammed Abduba Dida, born in 1974 in Wajir County, Kenya, is a former teacher and two-time presidential candidate.
He gained national attention during the 2013 elections, where he ran on the Alliance for Real Change ticket, positioning himself as a fresh alternative to established politicians like Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Dida’s charismatic debate performances earned him a notable following, although he finished with only 54,840 votes (0.43% of the total) in that election.
He ran again in 2017 but garnered just 38,004 votes (0.25%) and ultimately withdrew from the political scene thereafter.
Education
Dida has a solid educational background that laid the foundation for his career in teaching and politics.
He earned a Degree in Education from Kenyatta University, which equipped him with the necessary skills for his teaching profession.
Additionally, Dida holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Religious Education from the University of Nairobi.
Career
Dida’s career spans both teaching and politics.
Initially, he worked as a teacher, specializing in English Literature and Religion at notable institutions such as Lenana School in Nairobi and Dadaab Secondary School.
In 2009, he resigned from teaching to pursue business ventures, including founding Sunrise Service Limited, which focuses on livestock marketing, as well as a tours and travel company.
Dida entered the political arena in 2013 when he ran for the presidency on the Alliance for Real Change (ARC) ticket.
His campaign emphasized anti-corruption and good governance, and he gained attention for his engaging debate performances.
In that election, he finished with 52,848 votes, accounting for 0.43% of the total.
He attempted to run again in 2017 but received only 38,004 votes, or 0.25%, before withdrawing shortly before the election results were announced.
Conviction in the US
In 2022, Dida faced significant legal troubles when he was convicted in the United States for stalking and intimidation, which resulted in a seven-year prison sentence.
This conviction has overshadowed his earlier political aspirations and marked a dramatic turn in his career.
Dida is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence at the Big Muddy River Correctional Center in Illinois, following his conviction in 2022 for stalking and intimidating an unidentified individual.
He was found guilty of two charges: the first for stalking and transmitting threats, which resulted in a two-year sentence, and the second for aggravated stalking and violation of a restraining order, leading to a five-year sentence.
Dida was sentenced on November 18, 2022, and is expected to be released on April 3, 2029.
His legal troubles began in McLean County, Illinois, where the offenses occurred.
He has since raised concerns about his treatment in prison, alleging violations of his constitutional rights, including lack of access to educational programs and medical attention.
However, a court dismissed his claims, stating there was insufficient constitutional basis for his grievances.
