Activist Boniface Mwangi released on a bond of Sh1 million

Activist Boniface Mwangi has been released on a bond of Sh1 million

"The accused person may be set at liberty upon securing a personal bond of Sh1 million with one authority of similar amount," stated principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage in his ruling.

His lawyers want the case to be transferred to Milimani Law Courts since the charges are not on terrorism.

The activist was charged with being in possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

 Counsel for the defense, which included Mwaura Kabta, vice president of the Law Society of Kenya, wanted the court to release the activist on a personal bond or reasonable bail terms.

"The accused person is a confirmed activist and a defender of our constitution," stated Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.

They further stated that the accused is not a flight risk, he is a law-abiding person, and his residence and place of business are known by the arresting officers.

Counsel further requested the court to transfer the case to Milimani Law Courts since the terrorism charges against the accused have been dropped.

The matter will be mentioned in the next 14 days for pre-trial directions.

Earlier, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dropped the terror-related charges preferred against Mwangi following his arrest on Saturday.

The activist appeared before the Kahawa Magistrates Court, where he was expected to face terror-related charges as announced by the DCI on Sunday.

Mwangi was arrested at his Lukenya home in Machakos County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

They said the arrest was in connection with his suspected involvement in the coordination and facilitation of acts deemed to constitute terrorism under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Detectives said they recovered several electronic devices and documents during the operation at home.

They also said two unused teargas canisters were recovered from his office at Mageuzi Hub in Hurlingham, as well as one blank round of 7.62mm ammunition.

Also found were nine assorted external hard drives, two laptops, company seals for Brave Media Ltd and Courage Ltd, a company stamp, six cheque books, and copies of stamp duty documents.

Authorities alleged that Mwangi played a key logistical and financial role in the June 25 protests, during which scores were killed, public property was destroyed, and security officers were injured.

He was detained at Pangani Police Station, in Nairobi.

Mwangi’s lawyer, Njanja Maina on Sunday dismissed claims of recovery of two unused tear gas canisters and one blank round of 7.62mm ammunition as false and that it is a scheme to charge him with terrorism.