In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Mohammed Abduba Dida, former Kenyan presidential candidate, is serving a seven-year sentence in Illinois for stalking and threats.
- Dida claims constitutional violations related to denied access to educational programs and inadequate medical care; his case was dismissed by the court.
Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohammed Abduba Dida is currently serving a seven-year sentence at the Big Muddy Correctional Centre in Illinois, United States.
Dida began his incarceration on November 18, 2022, following his conviction for stalking and transmitting threats.
He was found guilty on two separate counts: the first for stalking and transmitting threats, which earned him a two-year sentence, and the second for aggravated stalking and violating a restraining order, resulting in a five-year sentence.
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During his trial in 2021, while Dida was held in McLean County, Illinois, he has since alleged violations of his constitutional rights.
He claims that he has been denied access to educational and vocational programs since May 31, 2022, when he was held at East Moline Correctional Center. According to court documents dated July 8, 2024,
Dida took the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) in June 2022 but did not pass, preventing him from taking the General Educational Development (GED) exam. Despite being placed on a waiting list to retake the TABE, he was unable to do so after the 45-day period.
In February 2023, Dida was informed that he could not retake the exam or attend school until 2027 due to the waiting list being tied to his expected release date.
Additionally, he has reported being denied job opportunities and access to various programs.
Dida also claims he has been denied medical attention, with his health deteriorating over time.
He experienced symptoms such as numbness on one side of his body, swelling of feet and toes, and spinal pain.
Diagnosed with pernicious anemia and a Vitamin B-12 deficiency in February 2024, he was prescribed a seven-month course of B-12 pills.
Despite these claims, United States Magistrate Judge Gilbert Sison, in a ruling on May 29, 2024, ordered an investigation into Dida’s allegations but ultimately dismissed his claims due to insufficient constitutional grounds.
The court categorized the dismissal as one of Dida’s three “strikes.” Dida is scheduled to be released from prison on April 3, 2029.