Mohamed Abduba Dida, a former Kenyan presidential candidate, is a figure who has captivated many with his unique journey from the classroom to the political stage, and now, to the confines of a U.S. prison.
Here are some lesser-known facts that paint a fuller picture of Dida’ personality.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Dida was born in 1975 in Wajir County, a region in Kenya’s arid north. His parents divorced when he was a teenager, a significant event that may have influenced his later life.
Despite the challenges, Dida pursued his education with determination, which laid the foundation for his career in teaching and politics.
2. Educational and Professional Background
Dida is a teacher by profession, specializing in English Literature and Religion. He held teaching positions at some of Kenya’s prestigious schools, including Lenana High School, Sabunley Secondary School, Wajir Girls, and Dadaab Secondary School in Garissa.
His passion for education was evident in his history as a teacher, but in 2009, he resigned from his teaching role to enter the political arena.
3. Political Aspirations and Campaigns
Dida’s political career began in earnest when he ran for the presidency in 2013 and again in 2017. His campaigns were marked by a focus on education reform and moral leadership, though his vote tally remained modest.
Despite receiving only 52,848 votes (0.43% of the total) in 2013 and 38,004 votes (0.25%) in 2017, his candidacy left a lasting impression due to his straightforward and often humorous campaign style.
4. Family Life
Dida’s personal life is as complex as his public persona. He is married to three wives: Amina Dida, Estail Dida, and Rukia Dida, and is a father to twelve children.
However, his family life has seen its share of turbulence, with his second wife, Estail Dida, filing for divorce in the Kadhi’s court. Despite these challenges, Dida remains a devout Muslim, a faith that has been central to his life and career.
5. Business Interests
In addition to his political and teaching careers, Dida is also an entrepreneur.
He is the founder of Sunrise Service Limited, a company involved in livestock marketing. His entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there—he also owns a tours and travel company.
6. Jail time
Dida’s life took an unexpected turn when he was convicted of serious charges in the United States.
Currently incarcerated at the Big Muddy River Correctional Center in Illinois, Dida is serving time for stalking, transmitting threats, and violating a restraining order.
His sentences add up to a combined seven years, marking a dramatic shift from his previous public image in Kenya.
7. Civil Rights Lawsuit
Even while in prison, Dida has not remained silent. He filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Big Muddy Correctional Center, alleging that his religious rights as a Muslim were being violated.
His grievances include the prison’s failure to accommodate daily prayers and the lack of proper provisions during Ramadan. The lawsuit has been allowed to proceed, potentially leading to significant changes in prison policies regarding religious accommodations.
8. Current Residence
Before his incarceration, Dida resided in Nairobi’s South C, a location known for its middle-class population and proximity to the city center. His life in South C was a blend of his political ambitions, business ventures, and family responsibilities.