Mohamed Abduba Dida freed from US prison

By Newsflash Correspondent

Mohamed Abduba Dida, a former Kenyan presidential candidate who was convicted and imprisoned in the United States, has been released after completing a three-year sentence.

Dida walked out of Big Muddy Correctional Centre on March 4, 2025, under parole—a form of early release granted for good behavior.

Parole allows an inmate to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison, with strict conditions. Any violation of these terms can result in a return to incarceration.

Amina Liban, one of Dida’s three Kenyan wives, confirmed his release, saying he is now living in Minnesota and focused on restarting his charitable work. “He was released on March 4. He’s back home in Minnesota and is working to revive the Dida Foundation International,” she said. The foundation, which Dida registered shortly before his arrest in 2022, aims to assist underprivileged communities in the US and Africa.

Liban said Dida is currently seeking office space in Minnesota to resume operations for the foundation, which maintains a Facebook page created in 2019. The page includes appeals for support and outlines plans to promote civic and technical education among the less fortunate.

Legal troubles and path to redemption

Dida’s fall from public life began in 2021 when he was arrested in Illinois after his American wife filed a complaint, accusing him of stalking, making threats, and breaching a restraining order. He was convicted of the charges in 2022 and initially held at East Moline Correctional Center before being transferred to Big Muddy.

Despite the conviction, Dida appears focused on rebuilding his life. Before relocating to the U.S., he was known for engaging with homeless youth in Nairobi, often delivering sermons to them on Fridays.

Liban said she maintains regular contact with him and that he remains committed to his philanthropic vision. In addition to his Kenyan wives, Dida had an American spouse, with whom the legal dispute originated.

Dida previously ran for Kenya’s presidency in 2013 and 2017. Although unsuccessful, he became a familiar figure to many Kenyans due to his memorable debate appearances, where his witty and candid responses stood out.

Now back in society, Dida seems determined to turn a new page and channel his energy into charitable causes.