Popular Tanzanian Bongo Flava musician Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, widely known as Matonya, was formally charged with rape in a Mombasa court on Thursday,
Popular Tanzanian Bongo Flava musician Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, widely known as Matonya, was formally charged with rape in a Mombasa court on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The 43-year-old artist, famous for hits like “Vaileti” and “Anita,” appeared before Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek at the Shanzu Law Court.
Prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions alleged that the offence occurred on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in the Nyali residential area of Mombasa.
During the hearing, Matonya pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was brought under Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act.
The prosecution successfully argued for stringent bail conditions, noting that as a foreign national without a fixed residence in Kenya, the musician posed a potential flight risk.
Consequently, the court granted him a bond of KSh 500,000 (approximately $3,900) with one Kenyan surety of a similar amount.
As part of his release terms, the court ordered Matonya to surrender his Tanzanian passport and prohibited him from leaving the jurisdiction without prior permission.
A red alert was also issued to immigration authorities to prevent him from exiting the country. The case is scheduled for mention on April 30, 2026, to provide further pre-trial directions.
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