Nairobi, Kenya – Hundreds of supporters of activist Boniface Mwangi gathered at Kahawa Law Courts on Monday to celebrate news that terrorism charges against him were dropped. Mwangi was released on a Sh1 million personal bond after the prosecution abandoned allegations of facilitating terror during last month’s protests.

Authorities now accuse Mwangi only of possessing tear gas canisters and ammunition without a licence. Court documents say he was found with three teargas canisters and a blank round of ammunition at his Mageuzi Hub office in Nairobi. The 33-year-old activist denied the charges as he left the courtroom. Family and friends, many waving Kenyan flags, accused the government of trying to silence dissent by targeting one of its most vocal critics.

The courtroom proceedings were peaceful but tense, with lawyer Gideon Kiage telling the court Mwangi had been unfairly charged. The crowd outside, including fellow activists and civil society leaders, cheered when news of his release broke. Boniface Mwangi, known for street protests and satirical videos, has faced multiple arrests over the years. On Monday, his mother and wife thanked supporters for rallying around his cause, promising that Mwangi’s advocacy for democracy would continue despite this setback.

The case against Mwangi is set to be mentioned again on August 19. While the terrorism charges were dropped, critics say this episode highlights Kenya’s deepening political tensions, as opposition figures claim that legal processes have been used to intimidate dissenters. Rights groups have called for charges against Mwangi to be dropped entirely and for authorities to respect his rights to free expression.