By: Abdihakim Siyad

NAIROBI- Born in 1975 in Wajir County, Mohamed Abduba Dida is a former Kenyan teacher who rose to national fame as a presidential candidate known for his bold honesty and sharp humor. A Somali by ethnicity and a devout Muslim, Dida studied Islamic Religious Education and Kiswahili at Moi University and later taught at Lenana School, earning respect for his discipline and moral values.

The Unlikely Candidate

In a political landscape dominated by dynasties, tribal affiliations, and billionaire campaign budgets, Mohamed Abduba Dida’s entry into the 2013 presidential race seemed almost laughable—until he spoke. A schoolteacher with no political background, Dida launched his campaign under the little-known Alliance of Real Change (ARC) party.

His campaign had minimal resources, no flashy posters, no motorcades, and no deep-pocketed donors. What he had was his voice, his values, and his unmatched ability to connect with the average Kenyan.

Dida’s slogan was “Real Change”, and unlike many politicians, he meant it.

Presidential Debates: The Turning Point

Dida’s big break came during the 2013 presidential debates—the first ever held in Kenya. While seasoned politicians stuck to rehearsed lines, Dida captivated the audience with raw honesty, humor, and metaphor-laden speeches. He questioned the integrity of fellow candidates, challenged the entire system, and spoke directly to the frustrations of ordinary citizens.

Some of his standout moments included:

Calling out corruption boldly, saying that Kenya didn’t need more leaders, just people who actually follow the law.

Using everyday analogies like “If a teacher can run a class, he can run a country” to prove leadership isn’t about title but principles.

Injecting humor and truth, calling out hypocrisy while disarming the nation with laughter.

Suddenly, Kenyans who had never heard of him were talking about Dida on the streets, in matatus, and on social media.

Why Kenyans Listened

Dida spoke in a way that everyone could understand—from scholars to street vendors. His use of Kiswahili proverbs, Islamic wisdom, and everyday experiences made him a voice of the common person. He didn’t pretend to be perfect, but he stood for something many believed was long gone in politics: integrity.

He didn’t promise free laptops or stadiums—he promised truth, justice, and leadership by example.

Post-2013 Impact

Although Dida came in fifth, ahead of several more established candidates, his influence outlived the vote count. He didn’t disappear after the election. He stayed in the media, giving hard-hitting interviews, critiquing government failures, and continuing to advocate for moral leadership.

He also inspired a new generation of young Kenyans to believe that political change doesn’t have to come from the top—it can come from a classroom, a village, or even a teacher who dares to dream.

Abduba Dida,  moved to the United States in 2019 to further his education. He eventually married an American woman. However, their relationship began to deteriorate over time due to personal differences and disputes.

In 2021, following a domestic conflict between the couple, his American wife sought a restraining order against him. The order was granted after allegations of threatening behavior and stalking surfaced, with his wife claiming that he had been harassing her. The situation worsened when Dida violated the restraining order by visiting a mosque located near their residence, which he did not realize was within the restricted area specified in the order.

Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida has been freed from a US jail after serving 3 years of a 7-year sentence for stalking and intimidation. Released on parole in March, Mwalimu Dida now plans to revive his philanthropy work in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/rDcY34u9ZN

— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) April 24, 2025

As a result, Dida was charged with stalking, transmitting threats, and violating the restraining order. In the legal proceedings, he represented himself, which ultimately led to a harsher sentence. Dida was sentenced to seven years in prison—two years for stalking and transmitting threats, and five years for violating the restraining order. His case has raised concerns among his family and supporters, who argue that the charge