Nairobi, Kenya – Prosecutors in Kenya have dropped terrorism charges against prominent activist Boniface Mwangi, instead charging him with illegal possession of ammunition and releasing him on bail. The reversal came after his arrest last weekend sparked condemnation from rights groups and political figures who decried the initial allegations as politically motivated.

On Monday, Mwangi appeared in court in Kahawa and denied the new charges. He is accused of possessing three tear gas canisters and one blank round of ammunition, allegedly found at his Nairobi office. The activist, known for anti-corruption campaigns, told reporters outside the courthouse: "I am not a terrorist," and later added with a smile, "People hate [President] Ruto for free." He held a Kenyan flag and a T-shirt reading "I love my country" as he greeted supporters.

Rights organizations had lambasted the original terror accusations as an assault on democracy, and a coalition of 37 groups warned it was part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Opposition leader James Orengo called the charges "ridiculous." The National Commission on Human Rights earlier reported that 19 people died in clashes with police during protests on June 25. Kenyan officials, including Interior Minister Murkomen, have described the unrest as "terrorism disguised as dissent," noting a series of coordinated attacks on government facilities.

Mwangi’s supporters have vowed to continue holding authorities accountable. His family and colleagues accuse the government of using the judiciary to intimidate critics. The activist’s case will return to court in August, but his supporters see this weekend’s developments as a partial victory and a sign that public pressure is having an effect.