Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in the United States. Dida, who rose to prominence during the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections in Kenya, was convicted in McLean County, Illinois, on two charges: stalking and transmitting threats, and aggravated stalking and violating a restraining order. He received a two-year sentence for the first charge and a seven-year sentence for the second. His release is expected around April 2029.

Details surrounding Dida’s arrest indicate that the offenses were committed against an unidentified individual in the U.S. It remains unclear whether he had relocated to the U.S. or was there temporarily when the crimes occurred. During his imprisonment, Dida has also been involved in legal disputes regarding his religious rights, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to pray in accordance with Islamic practices while incarcerated.

Dida became a notable figure in Kenyan politics for his bold rhetoric and unique approach during the presidential debates, which won him a substantial amount of public attention, despite being relatively unknown before his candidacy.