The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Monday, February 20, withdrew charges against Standard Media Group Chief of Staff Laban Cliff Onserio.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Onserio's lawyer Ismael Nyaribo confirmed that the possession of explosives charge leveled against his client were dropped.
"Yes, the DPP applied to withdraw the charges under Article 157 of the Constitution. They instead decided to look at his conduct.
"They will also look at what has been going on around him and his reputation. My client is now a free man," he revealed.
Haji's request was received and accepted by Kahawa Court magistrate Boaz Ombewa, who declared the case closed.
Onserio, who was arrested by Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) officers, was placed in custody for 12 days. He was charged but was yet to take a plea in court.
According to court documents, the prosecution failed to expressly link the Standard Boss to the grenade found in his possession outside a Nairobi Church.
On January 10, Onserio wrote to the DPP requesting an out-of-court settlement of the matter which was received by lead prosecutor Jilo Guyo.
He was out on a Ksh100,000 bail after the pleaded with the court to allow him time with his family after spending 14 days in police custody.
The media boss was apprehended in December 2022, after security guards at the Nairobi Church discovered a flash-bang training system grenade in his vehicle.
Detectives faulted him for failing to declare to possession of the explosive or show certification to approve that he legally owned it.
Onserio joined the Mombasa-Road-based media house in 2021 after serving in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Presidential Delivery Unit.
