Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Matonya charged with rape in Mombasa

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

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek at Shanzu Law Court on Friday, the 43-year-old musician denied the charge.

The alleged offence occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali Sub-County, Mombasa County.

Prosecution told the court that Matonya is alleged to have unlawfully committed the act against an adult woman, contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele urged the court to impose strict bond terms, arguing that the accused is a foreign national without a fixed place of residence in Kenya.

Ms Ombele said the stringent conditions were necessary to ensure the suspect remains within the court’s jurisdiction throughout the trial.

Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek granted the musician bond of Sh500,000 with one Kenyan surety.

The court also ordered Matonya to deposit his Tanzanian passport and barred him from leaving the jurisdiction without prior court approval.

Immigration authorities were directed to place an alert at all border points to enforce the order.

The case will be mentioned on a date to be fixed by the court.