One of Kenya’s most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country.

The alleged offences are linked to the 25 June protests when, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 19 people died as demonstrators clashed with police. Hundreds were also injured and property and businesses were damaged.

Kenya has dropped a terrorism charge against activist Boniface Mwangi, replacing it with a lesser count of unlawful possession of ammunition. Mwangi denies the accusations, which rights groups call politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.