Tanzanian music star Matonya charged with alleged sexual offence in Mombasa, released on Sh500K bond

Popular Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani, widely known as Matonya, was on Thursday charged with rape at the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa County.

The 43-year-old artiste appeared before Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondiek, where he denied the charge and was released on bond pending trial.

Matonya is facing one count of rape contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006. The prosecution alleges that the incident occurred on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali Sub-County, involving an adult woman.

DPP charges Tanzanian musician with alleged sexual offence in Mombasa court

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, popularly known as Matonya, with one count of rape.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek at… pic.twitter.com/Qmuu9lFcVn

— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) April 10, 2026

During the hearing, Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele urged the court to impose strict bond terms, arguing that the accused, being a foreign national, does not have a fixed residence in Kenya and could be a flight risk. The State maintained that stringent measures were necessary to ensure he remains within the court’s jurisdiction.

The court released Matonya on a bond of Sh500,000 with a Kenyan surety. Additional conditions included surrender of his Tanzanian passport and a restriction barring him from leaving Kenya without prior court approval. Immigration authorities were also directed to flag his details at all border points to prevent any attempt to leave the country unlawfully.

Matonya, known for hits such as Vaileti and Anita, will have the case mentioned on April 30, 2026, for pre-trial directions as investigations continue.