Former two-time presidential contender Mwalimu Mohammed Abduba Dida is now a free man — walking out of a U.S. correctional facility after serving a three-year jail term for stalking and intimidating his American wife.
Dida, known for his fiery rhetoric and humorous takes during presidential debates, had been locked up in the Midwestern United States since November 18, 2022, following his conviction in a dramatic court case that captured international headlines.
Initially sentenced to seven years behind bars, Dida was scheduled for release on April 3, 2029. But in a surprise turn of events, American authorities granted him early parole, allowing the former educator-turned-politician to leave the prison system four years early.
Sources close to the matter reveal that Dida’s behavior behind bars and appeals from high-level intermediaries may have influenced the parole board’s decision. His release is already stirring reactions among Kenyans, with some expressing shock while others welcome him back.
It remains unclear whether Dida plans to return to Kenya immediately, or if he will remain in the United States under strict parole conditions. The U.S. Department of Justice has yet to release a full statement.
What’s next for the once-outspoken leader who promised to “clean up the nation” but found himself caught in legal crosshairs abroad? Only time will tell.