[PHOTOS] Activists converge at Kahawa law court as Boniface Mwangi freed on bond

Activist Boniface Mwangi at the Kahawa Law Courts on July 21 after the prosecution dropped terrorism charges against him/EZEKIEL AMING’A

The prosecution has dropped terrorism charges against prominent activist Boniface Mwangi, following his high-profile arrest over the weekend.

Instead, Mwangi now faces two lesser charges related to the alleged possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.

Mwangi appeared at the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday morning, where he was formally charged with possession of three tear gas canisters and one round of blank ammunition.

Human rights activists at the Kahawa Law Courts on July 21 show support for Boniface Mwangi following his arraignment/EZEKIEL AMING’A

The prosecution alleges the items were found in his possession on July 19 at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi County.

"On July 19, 2025, at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi County within the Republic of Kenya, you were found in possession of noxious substances, to wit, three teargas canisters without lawful authority," the charge sheet reads.

Wife to activist Boniface Mwangi, Hellen Njeri at Kahawa Law Courts on July 21, following his arraignment/EZEKIEL AMING’A

Magistrate Gedion Kiage ordered Mwangi’s release on a personal bond of Sh1 million. The case is scheduled for mention on August 19.

The courtroom was filled to capacity, with hundreds of supporters and fellow activists in attendance.

Many waved Kenyan flags in a show of solidarity for the activist, known for his outspoken criticism of government corruption and police brutality.

Mwangi was arrested early Saturday morning after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided his home in Lukenya.

At the time, authorities claimed they were investigating him for allegedly "facilitating terrorism."

However, those close to Mwangi have sharply rejected the claims. Speaking outside the Pangani Police Station on Sunday, Mwangi’s family and legal team accused the authorities of attempting to silence dissent.

Lawyers, family and friends of activist Boniface Mwangi at Kahawa Law Courts on July 21/EZEKIEL AMING’A